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While a late spring freeze and a seemingly endless run of rainy days have put a damper on South Carolina peach trees and their ability to produce large quantities of the fuzzy fruit, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is predicting an excellent crop nonetheless, with quality being this crop�s strongest characteristic, not quantity.Even though Georgia�s peach growers seem to have gotten all the good weather breaks this year, with near perfect conditions for a strong and bountiful crop, South Carolina�s crop is receiving excellent ratings for high quality. The South Carolina crop has received a rating of 21% excellent, 65% good, 10% fair, 3% poor, and 2% very poor, compared to Georgia�s 95% good and 5% fair (source: Elliott Minor, The Associated Press). The bulk of Georgia�s crop avoided the weather-related delays and damage endured by South Carolina growers as the result of their more southerly location.
Buying locally grown produce also ensures purchasing fruits (and vegetables) with a greater number of retained nutrients, making them a healthier choice for health-conscious Upstate residents. Many sources confirm that the more miles produce has to travel to market, the greater the loss of vitamins, minerals, and freshness. The peach harvest continues at a steady pace from May through September, with the more desirable varieties coming in toward the end of the growing season.
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Upstate Farmers Markets and roadside stands are selling these sweet and delectable summer-only treasures right now � truly, nothing says �summer� quite like a South Carolina peach. They are excellent treats in almost any form � straight off the tree or as the main ingredient in pies and cobblers or jams and preserves.