Franciscan monks introduced peaches to St. Simons and Cumberland islands along Georgia's coast in 1571. ... Georgia enjoys important production and marketing advantages, primarily its proximity to eastern markets and favorable prices because of early harvests and high-quality fruit production .
What do peaches have to do with Georgia?
The central region of Georgia is the largest with about 70% of the peach trees and 83% of the state's production. The Southern region of Georgia has about 23% of the trees and produces 17% of the state's harvest. When selecting peaches, smell the fruit.
Why does Georgia grow so many peaches?
Georgia earned its “Peach State” designation during the three decades following the Civil War. Peach expansion in acreage and production was fueled by several factors. The abolition of slavery forced farmers to search for alternatives to the traditional labor-intensive cotton crop.
Why are peaches important to GA?
Georgia's nickname is “The Peach State” because of its reputation for producing the highest quality fruit . Georgia-grown peaches are recognized for their superior flavor, texture, appearance and nutritious qualities – a peach is featured on the U.S. Mint's Georgia quarter.
Why did peaches become an important crop in Georgia?
Peaches required so much capital to grow that few African-Americans could afford to start their own orchard. When women were referred to admiringly as “Georgia peaches,” it was a reflection of their light, rosy skin more than the state where they were from.
What month do peaches ripen in Georgia?
Fresh Georgia peaches are available mainly from mid-May to early August . When selecting peaches, it's a good idea to smell the fruit. The peach is a member of the rose family and should have a pleasingly sweet fragrance. Look for a creamy gold to yellow under-color.
What is Georgia famous for?
Georgia is the country's number-one producer of peanuts and pecans , and vidalia onions, known as the sweetest onions in the world, can only been grown in the fields around Vidalia and Glennville. Another sweet treat from the Peach State is Coca-Cola, which was invented in Atlanta in 1886.
What is the best peach to eat?
The best and easiest peaches for eating are sweet and juicy peaches that have freestones and have firm yellow or white flesh . Some kinds of peaches such as “Cresthaven,” “Glohaven,” “Improved Elberta,” and “Red Haven” are the best types for eating fresh, canning, freezing, and using in baked goods.
Which country has the best peaches?
| Rank Country Production (Tonnes) | 1 China 14,294,973 | 2 Spain 1,799,685 | 3 Italy 1,250,721 | 4 Greece 938,000 |
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Does Georgia still grow peaches?
Although Georgia is called the Peach State, it is not the country's leading producer of peaches. Still, Georgia produces over 130 million pounds of peaches each year and UGA Extension provides both farmers and home gardeners a variety of information to help have the best output with the least amount of labor possible.
What does a Georgia peach mean?
Georgia Peach or Georgia Peaches may refer to: Peaches grown in the U.S. state of Georgia. ... “The Georgia Peach”, the name given by the Germans to Jane Anderson , an American broadcaster of Nazi propaganda during World War II. American gospel singer Sister Clara Hudmon used the stage name “Georgia Peach”
Where are the best Georgia peaches?
- Lane South Orchards. South of Macon, Georgia, just west of the I-75 you will find a fully functioning peach orchard –Lane South Orchards. ...
- Dickey Farms. ...
- Pearson Farm. ...
- Taylor Orchards. ...
- Farmers Markets. ...
- Jaemore Farms.
What month are peaches in season?
BUYING FRESH PEACHES
The peach is a type of stone fruit that come into season in the summertime across the United States. Typically, peach season is May through September , with peak harvest in July and August.
Which state has the best peaches?
According to USDA reports, the top 10 peach-producing states in 2018 were, in order, California, South Carolina , New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Washington, Michigan, New York and West Virginia, which put out 6,500 tons of the fruit.
Are peaches healthy?
They're soft and sweet, smell divine, taste good cooked or fresh, and they're chock-full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Peaches boast lots of potential health benefits, including improved digestion , a healthy heart, a strong immune system and improved allergy symptoms.
