It must be peach pickin' time in North Carolina (or close to it) as we've started seeing peaches at the farmers' markets. The above photo was taken yesterday at the South Elm Urban Market. According to the sign, the peaches are from the Pee Dee Orchard in Anson County. Anson County is located southeast of Charlotte, on North Carolina's border with South Carolina. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service*, our state grows approximately 35 million pounds of peaches annually for the fresh, as opposed to the processed, peach market. California ranks #1, because they tap into both markets.
If you are local, likely you will be making at least one trip to the Sandhills, south of Greensboro to purchase peaches directly from an orchard. Peaches don't travel well and don't keep long after they are harvested. As a matter of fact, they are like sushi: Fresh is best. If you can't get to the peaches, we are fortunate to have several farmers who bring fruit directly from their orchards to our farmers' markets. And then there is fresh peach ice cream; even those who restrict their sugar intake are known to enjoy a little fresh peach ice cream. After all, 'tis the season........
*reference and more on peaches here.
My favorite fruit. I wait all year for them to come in, then freeze some for peach cobblers later on. We're lucky to have the Sandhills so close. Yum!
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Monday, June 25, 2012 at 10:32 AM