As seen in this photo taken two weeks ago, local peaches are ripening at this very moment! Many peach orchards can be found in North Carolina, especially the Sandhills region (southeast of Greensboro). Peach trees love the well-draining soil of the Sandhills and many varieties are grown there; Greensboro is the Piedmont region and our soil contains more clay. If you live in Greensboro, you can purchase peaches at the farmers' markets or make a day trip to Montgomery, Richmond, or Moore County to get peaches directly from the source. Peach Day at the Farmers' Market in Colfax was last week; however, if you are interested, learn about other July peach events throughout the state here.
An estimated 11 million pounds of peaches are grown each year in NC on about 2,500- 3,000 acres of bearing-age peach trees. Dedicated peach farmers grow many different varieties of peaches so that they have peaches ripening all summer long. We leave you with a list of twenty seven varieties of peaches found in North Carolina: Derby, Candor, Dixired, Surecrop, Pekin, Reliance, Redhaven, Clayton, Norman, Carolina Belle, Raritan Rose, Topaz, Sunglo, Nectar, Winblo, Redglo, Ellerbe, Contender, Summer Pearl, Biscoe, Belle of Georgia, Elberta, Encore, Monroe, Emery, Legend, and Parade. If you want to brush up on "peachology," knowing if one of the above varieties is freestone or clingstone, its size and attributes, when it ripens, and more, read here. Add a peach question to your poolside summer trivia (Name ten varieties of peaches-- and the beloved freestone is a cultivated characteristic, not a variety!).
Those DO look delicious!
Posted by: Katja Brown | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 06:35 AM
Makes my mouth water and I do so wish that I had one (or more) of these for breakfast...right now! Thanks for all the information, too.
Posted by: Kate | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 06:40 AM
I am missing some prime farmers market days. Thanks for allowing me to experience Greenaboro from afar. I will definitely keep checking back for a regular dose of home while I travel this summer.
Posted by: Allmyinbetweens.blogspot.com | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 09:49 AM
How many of those varieties are NC town or community names? I've been to Derby, Candor, Pekin, Norman, Windblow, Ellerbe, Biscoe and Monroe, but I'm not sure about a couple of the others. Candor used to be called the "Peach Capital."
Posted by: David T | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Yummy looking. Bet the ripe ones smell scrumptious too. Today, you've inspired me to find a good recipe for peach jam/compote! My fave! Great to learn more about your community. Have a happy Tuesday!
Posted by: Ken | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Peaches are the most perfect natures' gift. Shape and taste and smell - I usually stop and can not eat it, too perfect for such banal operation)))
Ah, and watermelons, too.
Great summer photo.
Posted by: Irina | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 05:09 PM
They look sooo good. Just perfect for some cobbler with ice cream.
Posted by: barb farr | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 07:35 PM
I love peaches! But I prefer the white flesh over yellow. Yummmmy!
Posted by: Halcyon | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 07:25 AM