A.K.A – The Southern Belle
While Georgia peaches were introduced by Franciscan monks in the 1500s. It was the 18th century that saw the first peaches being planted in Georgia, and the mid-19th century saw commercial production of peaches. Raphael Moses first marketed the Georgia peach. A Confederate officer from Columbus, he sold peaches within Georgia in 1851. He is also credited for being the first person to ship Georgia peaches for sale outside the Southern markets.
In Georgia, the red clay soil, combined with moderate humidity, set the perfect weather and conditions to grow the juiciest, sweetest, Georgia peach. Despite the ideal climate and growing conditions, peaches are available fresh only for 16 weeks in a year, spanning from mid-May to August. What makes these even more remarkable is that they are sold fresh and natural, with as minor processing as possible. This helps retain their natural taste, smell, and texture, giving consumers the best experience.
The Georgia peach is famous due to its delectable, juicy taste, and Georgia produces a wide variety of these delicious peaches. They cultivate and harvest over 40 types of peaches, divided into three categories: freestone, clingstone, and semi-free.
Interesting tidbits about Georgia Peaches:
- As Georgia grew famous for their rosy, fuzzy peaches, there came the new norm of referring to a maiden as a Georgia peach, regarding her rosy cheeks and youth.
- Peaches bruise easily and must not be squeezed or squished.
- Peaches symbolize beauty and delicacy, along with their succulent nature.
- Georgia is the third biggest producer of peaches in the United States, behind California and South Carolina.
- Georgia’s nickname is the “Peach State”, and it grows 130 million pounds of peaches annually.
- Have you ever wondered why peaches smell so sweet and pleasing? The Georgia peach has a distinct, soft smell akin to roses, which is not surprising considering that they are members of the rose family. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Quick and Easy Peach Cobbler
2 cups sliced fresh Georgia peaches
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 stick of butter
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together 1 cup self- rising flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Melt butter in microwave oven and pour into empty disposable baking pan. Be sure butter is sizzling and then add batter mixture and top with fresh peaches. Bake 25 to 30 minutes in the pre-heated oven until golden brown. If you can’t get fresh or fresh frozen peaches, use one large can of Georgia peaches.
I’m proud to be both a Georgia Peach and a Southern Belle – and in my humble opinion Georgia grows the absolute best peaches in the world! Send me your favorite – prove me wrong.
Bon Appetite & Much Love,
Monamie
