Archive for July, 2009

Where are most peaches grown?

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

California is the largest producer of peaches in the United States. There are more that 1,100 growers in the Central San Joaquin Valley that combined, produce about  60 percent of U.S. fresh peaches. Peach production is centered near Reedley, California, just south of the city of Fresno. About 90 percent of California peaches are grown in Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties

Of the United States, South Carolina is second in peach production, growing 15 percent of the U.S. crop, while Georgia is third, supplying 13 percent of U.S. peaches.

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Rum-Poached White Peaches

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

rum-peach

Makes 4 Servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups water

¾ cup white rum

½ cup sugar

2 lime slices

2 fresh California Summerwhite® peaches, pitted and halved

Topping

1/3 cup shredded coconut

2 tablespoon chopped macadamia nuts

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Bring water, rum, sugar and lime slices to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add peach halves, skin side down, and cook for 2 minutes; remove and let cool slightly. Carefully slip off skins with your fingers and place back in simmering liquid. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove peaches from liquid and let cool. Place cut side up on a small baking sheet. Mix topping ingredients in a small bowl until well blended and sprinkle equal amounts over each peach half. Broil several inches from heat for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Per serving: 200 calories, 2g protein, 30g carbohydrate, 9g total fat, 10mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 2g fiber. 

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July Varieties

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

If you’ve yet to eat a peach this season get to the store right now and try one. If possible look for an O’Henry peach. The flavor experience when eating an O’Henry is just what you would imagine a peach to be. Classically sweet, just like out of your grandma’s backyard.

 The growing conditions in the San Joaquin Valley have been great this season. Sometimes growers face tricky weather like late season hail storms that can damage entire orchards.  This year we have had the ideal mix of warm to hot weather. That’s good for the trees because they get to devote all their time and energy to the fruit. At this point in the season the fruit has plenty of time to mature and get a little larger and more flavorful than earlier season fruit. Take a look at the following varieties that are harvesting in July. 

Autumn Snow
Summer Flame

Diamond Princess
Elegant Lady

July Flame
June Flame

Kaweah
O'Henry

Sierra Rich
Snow Giant

Snow Princess
Summer Sweet

Summer Zee
Summer Lady

Sweet Dream
Zee Lady

Vista
Fancy Lady


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California Peach Sangria

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

The 4th  of July holiday for peach growers in California is a time for celebration and hard work. Extra family members visiting expecting to BBQ and set off fireworks might be put to work if there not careful! Growers and packers are working overtime to make sure that all the ripe peaches are picked, packed and ready to ship to eager markets.

For the rest of us who don’t have to work try out this California Peach Sangria recipe!

California Peach Sangria

Makes 6 Servings Prep Time: 10 minutes

peach-sang

 

Ingredients

1 (750 ml.) bottle dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc), chilled

1 cup Summerwhite ® peach puree (about 2 medium peaches)

1/2 cup peach brandy

2 tablespoon sugar

1 peach, pitted and thinly sliced

4 lime slices

To garnish: mint sprigs

Directions

Stir together the wine, peach puree and brandy in a large pitcher. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add fruit slices, pressing against the side of the pitcher with a large spoon to release some of the juices. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Serve in tall glasses over ice, garnished with mint sprigs.

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