Peach Season: Best Producing States

As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer sets in, peaches come into their prime, offering a burst of sweet, juicy goodness. 

Everything you need to know about peach season, from the best time to enjoy them and their rich history to the nuances of peach seasonality across various states.

You'll also learn how to pick the perfect peach, ensuring you get the most flavor out of every bite.

When To Pick Peaches In Each State

Peach season is a delightful time for peach lovers. This season typically runs on peach farms from mid-May through late September, with variations depending on the state.

The warmest months of the year are when peaches ripen and are ready for harvest. The peak of peach season varies by state, but mid to late July is often when you'll find the juiciest types of peaches.

Peach Producing States

Georgia: The Iconic Peach State

Georgia, often called the Peach State, is recognized for its superior flavor in peaches. The Georgia peach season starts in mid-May and lasts until mid-August.

Clingstone peaches, which have flesh that clings to the pit, are the first to ripen. Freestone peaches, known for their flesh that easily separates from the pit, follow and are a favorite for that sweet peach eating experience where the juice might just drip down your chin.

Season: Mid-May to mid-August
Varieties: Clingstone (early season), Freestone (mid to late season)
Highlights: Georgia peaches are renowned for their superior flavor. Clingstone peaches ripen first, followed by the sweet and easily pit-separating freestone peaches.

Resources:

• Georgia Peach Council
• Georgia Department of Agriculture
• Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

Picking Locations In Georgia:

• Lane Southern Orchards
• Jaemor Farms
• Southern Belle Farm
• Pearson Farm

Texas: Big Peach Country

Texas is renowned for its bountiful peach harvests, particularly in the Texas Hill Country. The peach season runs from mid-May to mid-August, providing ample time to enjoy these juicy delights. Fredericksburg peaches, particularly freestone varieties, are celebrated for their sweet, succulent flesh.

Throughout Texas, you'll find orchards and farms dedicated to growing and cultivating these exceptional peaches. Many offer homemade peach ice cream, peach pies, and fresh peaches at local farmers' markets and roadside stands.

The ease of enjoying a freestone peach, with juice trickling down your chin, adds to the pleasure of the peach-eating experience.

Season: Mid-May to mid-August
Varieties: Primarily freestone
Highlights: Texas peaches provide a delightful eating experience, especially the freestone varieties. The Texas Hill Country, including Fredericksburg, is famous for its peach orchards and peak flavor.

Resources:

• Texas Department of Agriculture
• Texas Peach Growers Association

Picking Locations In Texas

• Peachy Peel Farm
• Jenschke Orchards
• Jenkins Farms Peach Orchard
• Neal's Berry Farm

California: A Peach Powerhouse

California's Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers, provides excellent soil conditions for peaches to thrive. The state is the leading producer of peaches in the United States, supplying more peaches than all other peach-growing states combined.

Season: Late June to mid-September
Varieties: Both clingstone and freestone
Highlights: California's climate and soil conditions make it a dominant peach producer. The state's peaches are known for their sweet, succulent flavor, enjoyed fresh in peach pie or homemade peach ice cream. Visit local farmers' markets and roadside stands for peak-season treats.

Resources:

• California Fresh Fruit Association
• California Grown
• California Department of Food and Agriculture

Picking Locations In California

• Twin Peaks Orchards

South Carolina: Southern Peach Charm

South Carolina peach season is from mid-June through late August. The state's slightly colder climate compared to Georgia may delay the season, but South Carolina peaches are still incredibly delicious and juicy.

South Carolina: Southern Peach Charm

• Season: Mid-June to late August
• Highlights: Though slightly delayed compared to Georgia, South Carolina peaches are incredibly delicious and juicy.

Resources:

• South Carolina Peach Council
• South Carolina Department of Agriculture
• Clemson Cooperative Extension - Peaches

Picking Locations In South Carolina:

• Chappell Farms
• Fishers Orchard
• McLeod Farms
• Titan Farms

North Carolina: A Variety Haven

In North Carolina, the peach season starts in early June and extends through September. The state boasts up to 70 different varieties of peaches, with the season's peak in July.

• Season: Early June to September
• Highlights: North Carolina boasts up to 70 different varieties of peaches, with the season peaking in July.

Resources:

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
• North Carolina Peach Growers Society
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Peaches

Picking Locations In North Carolina:

• Lakeside Peach Orchard
• Millstone Creek Orchards
• Justus Orchard

Florida: Early Birds of Peach Season

Florida produces the most peaches early in the season due to its warm climate. Florida peach season begins as early as April and concludes in mid-May.

• Season: April to mid-May
• Highlights: Florida kicks off the peach season early due to its warm climate, providing fresh peaches as early as April.

Resources:

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Fresh From Florida
• Florida Farmers Markets

Picking Locations In Florida

• Graham's U-Pick Farms
• Southern Hill Farms
• Sand Hill Peach Farm

New Jersey: The Garden State's Peach Bounty

New Jersey, known as the Garden State, lives up to its name by producing a bounty of peaches. The season begins in early July and lasts until mid-September.

• Season: Early July to mid-September
• Highlights: New Jersey lives up to its Garden State nickname by producing a bounty of peaches throughout the summer.

Resources:

• New Jersey Peach Promotion Council
• New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Picking Locations In New Jersey

• Battleview Orchards
• Johnson's Corner Farm
• Schober Orchards

Idaho: Late Season Harvest

Idaho's peach season begins later, typically in August, and lasts through October. Idaho peaches are worth the wait, as you can enjoy fresh peaches well into the fall.

Idaho, widely known for its majestic mountains and fertile valleys, may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about peaches. However, the Gem State also boasts a thriving peach industry, offering a unique and delightful experience for peach enthusiasts.

Idaho's climate, characterized by warm summers and cool nights, creates favorable conditions for peach cultivation. Although Idaho is primarily associated with its famous potatoes, the state's peach orchards have been gaining recognition for their exceptional fruit.

While Idaho may not have the extensive peach orchards found in other states, the peaches it produces are highly regarded for their quality and flavor. Idaho peaches are known for their juicy, sweet, and aromatic characteristics.

• Season: August to October
• Highlights: Idaho's peaches are highly regarded for their quality and flavor, providing fresh peaches well into the fall.

Resources:

• Idaho Department of Agriculture
• Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Commission
• Idaho Farmers Markets

Picking Locations in Idaho

• Kelley Orchards
• Gem Orchards
• The Orchard at Lake Lowell
• Williams Fruit Ranch

Colorado: Rocky Mountain Harvest

Colorado's peach season typically starts in late June and extends through early October. The Palisade region in Colorado is renowned for its freestone peach varieties, thanks to chilly nights and abundant sunshine.

Resources:

• Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
• Colorado Department of Agriculture

Peach Orchards in Colorado:

• Clark Family Orchards
• Palisade Peach Shack
• Green Barn Fruit Co.
• Z's Orchard

Michigan: Great Lakes Peaches

Often referred to as the "Great Lakes State," Michigan boasts an ideal climate and fertile soil for peach cultivation. The cool nights and warm days of Michigan's summer season contribute to the development of peaches with outstanding flavor and sweetness.

The Michigan peach season typically begins in early July and extends through September, providing ample time for peach enthusiasts to relish in the abundance of these delectable fruits. As the season progresses, different peach varieties ripen, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures.

Michigan peaches are celebrated for their exceptional taste and juicy flesh. Bite into a Michigan peach, and you'll experience a burst of sweetness coupled with a pleasant tang, creating a truly delightful sensory experience.

• Season: Early July to September
• Highlights: Michigan peaches are celebrated for their exceptional taste and juicy flesh, offering a burst of sweetness with a pleasant tang.

Resources:

• Michigan Peach Sponsors
• Michigan State University Extension - Peaches

Picking Locations in Michigan:

• King Orchards
• Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze
• Overhiser Orchards
• Jollay Orchards

How to Pick Ripe Peaches

When peaches are in season, knowing how to select perfectly ripe peaches can enhance your eating experience. Here are some tips to ensure you pick the best peaches:

Color: Look for peaches with a deep golden yellow color. While some peaches may have a red blush, this is not a reliable indicator of ripeness. Focus on the background color instead.

Scent: Ripe peaches emit a sweet and distinct aroma. If the peach has a strong, pleasant fragrance, it's likely ready to eat. If there's little to no smell, the peach may need more time to ripen.

Touch: A ripe peach will yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid peaches that are too hard, as they are likely underripe. Conversely, if a peach is overly soft or mushy, it may be overripe.

Skin: Check for wrinkles around the stem, which indicate that the peach has ripened on the tree and is ready to eat. The skin should also be free of blemishes and bruises.

Appearance: Choose peaches that are plump and have a uniform shape. Avoid those with green spots or flat areas, as these can be signs of poor quality or incomplete ripening.

Taste: If possible, taste a sample at the market. The flavor should be sweet and juicy with no off-putting or sour notes.

In Summary

Peach season is a time for celebration. From the early harvest in Florida to the late-season delights in Idaho, peaches offer a burst of sweetness and flavor. Whether biting into an unripened peach or savoring a delicious peach cobbler, the experience is unforgettable.

Remember, the season spans from mid-May to late September, with Georgia peaches kicking off the season and Idaho peaches closing it out. Look for a golden yellow color, a sweet smell, a slightly soft touch, and wrinkles around the stem to find the perfect peach.