Peach Crop Promises a Juicy Season in South Carolina
South Carolina, renowned for its high-quality peach production, gears up for another season of cultivating this luscious fruit that has won the title of the official state fruit. Though not indigenous to South Carolina, these stone fruits have been a significant part of the state’s commercial agricultural industry for over a century and a half.
About The Peach Crop
The stone fruit, named so because of its hard pit, falls under the rose family, sharing the category with almonds, cherries, and apricots. The edible part of the fruit, referred to as the mesocarp, comes in two variants – white or yellow. As they ripen, the peaches exude an even sweeter flavor and a juicier texture.
Of note, ‘peach season’ rolls in from mid-May, extending until September. Peach lovers would know, these delectable fruits are categorized into clingstone, freestone, or semi-freestone variants. The categorization depends on the difficulty level of separating the stone from the flesh.
Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture reveals that any peach harvested within the state from the mid-season going forward is referred to as a freestone peach.
History and Production
The fame of the South Carolina Peach dates back to the mid-1800s when indigenous people started shipping the fragrant fruit across the state to consumers. Today, the state ranks second in national peach production, with California holding the top spot. In 2022, a staggering 76% of the grown peaches within the United States were reported to have been cultivated in California. Despite being known as the Peach State, Georgia falls third in the ranking, behind South Carolina, in peach production.
Peach Farming and Opportunities
Several local orchards and farms within South Carolina offer the public an opportunity to experience peach picking firsthand. Chattooga Belle Farm in Long Creek, for instance, permits entry to locals for seasonal fruit picking which includes peaches, blueberries, and grapes during the summer. The Fishers Orchard in Greer and Black’s Peaches in York are other popular spots that offer similar experiences.
A Community Event – Gaffney’s Peach Festival
To celebrate the peach harvest, the state hosts an annual event – Gaffney’s Peach Festival, attracting the community to revel in the festivities, participate in peach-themed games, trivia, and relish a variety of peach-infused delicacies. Alongside, this event also provides an opportunity for understanding more about the local agricultural practices and the historical significance of the peach crop within South Carolina.
Look forward to more engaging stories, fun facts, and stunning visuals of the Peach Passion Week as we delve deeper into the significance of this fruit in the state’s history. Stay tuned!
