Source:  NCDA&CS, 7/7/11

Children, bakers and any dessert makers can enter their favorite recipes into the peach dessert contest planned during Peach Day at the State Farmers Market Thursday, July 14.

The annual celebration, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., also features free samples of the summer fruit and Howling Cow’s peach ice cream. In addition, there will be an appearance by the N.C. Peach Queen Katie Parsons, as well as free peach recipes and nutritional information.

The dessert contest includes $175 in total prize money and is divided into two categories, one for adults and one for children under 13. The first-place winner of the adult category will be featured in Our State magazine’s Peach Recipe Collection. Desserts can be dropped off at the State Farmers Market office between 8 and 10 a.m., with judging beginning at 10 a.m. Dishes will be judged on taste, appearance, quality and creative use of peaches. After judging, winners will be announced at the Peach Day exhibit in the Farmers Building.

All entries must be in throwaway containers and include the complete recipe with cooking instructions, along with the contestant’s name, address and telephone number. Each recipe must include at least two cups of N.C. peaches, and peaches must be one of the main ingredients.

North Carolina’s peach season runs from the end of May through September. In 2010, N.C. peach growers produced 5,500 tons of peaches. Shoppers can find local peaches at farmers markets, roadside stands and grocery stores across the state.

Peach Day is sponsored by the N.C. Peach Growers Society, Howling Cow Ice Cream, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For complete dessert-contest rules and more information about N.C. peaches, go to www.ncpeach.com