Most fruit isn’t packaged and only has room for a PLU (Price Look Up) sticker so it’s tough to track down the nutrition facts of fresh produce. California growers have had their products tested and approved to publish the nutrition facts chart you see below. Peaches are a good source of vitamin C and contain other important nutrients, including potassium, fiber and vitamin A.
You have probably started noticing much better quality peaches at the market as the domestic crop is now being harvested. All of the winter peaches you saw were from the Southern Hemisphere as their season is exactly the opposite of ours.
If you have ever had an undesirable peach eating experience don’t give up yet. Learn how to pick the perfect peach by knowing what kind of peach you are looking at. There are hundreds of different varieties that each have their own color, shape and taste. Look at the PLU sticker or the in store point-of-sale to see what variety is available. Then buy ‘em try ‘em and repeat until you find the variety that’s right for you.
Here are some varieties to look out for during the rest of May.
Yellow Flesh Peaches:
Spring Flame® 21 *
Sugar Time
Zee Diamond
Crimson Lady *
Crown Princess*
Brittney Lane*
Spring Flame® 22
White Flesh Peaches:
Ivory Princess *
Saturn *
Ivory Queen
Jillie White*
* Pictured Below
It’s important to get to know who grows your food even if you can’t get in the car and come to an orchard. As third-generation grower/packer, Bob established his own farming business in 1978. He and his wife, Karen, live on the ranch where they grow California peaches, plums and nectarines, and where she is involved in the financial operation of the business. Bob picks his fruit at the peak of flavor and nutritional value, carefully placing each piece in a tote which is gentle on the fruit and prevents bruising and blemishes. Peaches still have to be picked by hand due to their delicate nature. Bob and Karen take real pride in being California peach, plum and nectarine growers.
When it comes to favorite fruits, Bob is a fan of O’Henry peaches as well as Red Roy nectarines. Karen loves Diamond Bright nectarines right off the tree, and also enjoys O’Henry peaches sliced onto just about anything!
The Summer’s first peaches are ready for harvest! The last week in April and the first week of May provide the first glimpse at a long sweet summer. The first few varieties of California peaches are just beginning to harvest and ship to market. When you are at the market take a closer look at what particular variety peach you are looking at. Each variety has its own unique color, shape and most importantly taste!
Here are some varieties to look out for through the beginning of May.
Yellow Flesh Peaches:
Super Rich*
Queencrest
Spring Flame®*
May Sweet
White Flesh Peaches:
Snow Angel*
May Snow
Spring Snow*
May Saturn
* Pictured Below
This is arguably one of the easiest ways to prepare a peach snack outside of just eating one out of hand. If you have left over chopped peaches you can freeze them to add to your next smoothie.
Makes 4 Servings - Prep Time: 10 Minutes - Chill Time: at least 4 Hours
Ingredients
1/2 cup peeled, chopped fresh California peaches
1/3 cup peeled, pureed fresh California peaches
2/3 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
Directions
Puree 1/2 cup of peaches in blender or food processor until smooth. Lightly swirl together peach puree, yogurt and remaining 1/2 cup of peaches together in a small bowl. Spoon into 4 popsicle molds and insert handle. Freeze for at least 4 hours. * For extra sweet pops, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to yogurt before swirling.
Per serving: 40 calories, 2g protein, 7g carbohydrate, 0g total fat, 5mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 1g fiber.
