Source:  NCDA&CS, 6/2/10

Peach lovers should have plenty to celebrate this year because this season’s peach harvest is expected to be exceptional.

“This is shaping up to be a potentially perfect peach season, and growers are anticipating a great crop,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We had a cold enough winter this year, which has helped peach trees produce heavy blooms, and we didn’t have any late frosts to damage their growth.”

North Carolina’s peach season runs from late May to early September. In 2009, growers yielded 5,600 tons of peaches, growing more than 70 different varieties. Candor, Gala, Ruby Prince, June Crest, Ruby Red and Dixie Red are among the varieties available now.

“Clingstone peaches are on the market now, and freestone peaches, which canners seem to prefer, are beginning to hit the market,” said Kevin Hardison, marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Whether used to make ice cream, pie, salsa or other desserts, North Carolina peaches can be purchased throughout the state at roadside stands, local farmers markets, grocery stores or Community Supported Agriculture programs.

To celebrate the peach-growing season, the following events are planned across the state:

• July 9: Peach Day at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• July 15: Peach Day and Peach Recipe Contest at the State Farmers Market, Raleigh, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• July 17: N.C. Peach Festival, Candor, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.;
• July 24: Peach Day at the Southeastern N.C. Farmers Market, Lumberton, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

For additional recipe contest information, nutritional facts, recipes and tips for selecting, handling and preparing peaches, go to www.ncpeach.com.