Peaches signal arrival of prime fruit season

The warm, sunny California days have me thinking about the abundance of fresh California-grown peaches that will soon fill our grocery store produce shelves. The stone fruit signals the arrival of the Golden State’s premier fruit season. But what does it take for local peach growers to deliver fresh peaches to our kitchens? I’m sure it isn’t easy.

California produces 70% of the peaches sold in the nation, making it the leader in U.S. peach production. Freestone varieties for the fresh market are grown primarily in the San Joaquin Valley, with Fresno and Tulare counties leading in production. Freestones are harvested from April through October. Production of clingstone varieties for canning and processing is concentrated in the Central Valley, with substantial acreage in Sutter County. Cling peach harvest runs from mid-July to mid-September.

California growers manage to provide us with nutritious, fresh peaches despite challenges during the growing season. They may include:

• A late frost, which can damage peach trees, especially during critical growth stages such as blooming.
• Viruses, which can decrease productivity.
• Changes in climate patterns, which can affect peach winter chilling hours.
• Drought stress during the “final swell” stage, which can reduce fruit size by 40%.
• Labor issues, which can lead to unharvested fruit.
• Thinning their trees to remove up to 80% of developing fruit to ensure bigger peaches and quality.

Once harvested, we enjoy the deliciousness of California peaches, which offer:

• Vitamin A to support vision and immune function.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health.
• 10% vitamin C.
• Magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Thank California growers for working hard to deliver their peaches to our tables. Fresh or canned, peaches deliver sweet, juicy and versatile flavor to our meals. Enjoy California peaches by making some of my favorite peach recipes, including peach salad, peach galette, mini-peach cobbler and peach slab pie.

Tawnie Graham is a registered dietitian nutritionist, cookbook author, owner of food blog Kroll’s Korner and a mom. Follow her on krollskorner.com and Instagram at @krolls_korner.

In this edition...

• Big cats complicate ranchers' livelihoods
• California weighs 'truth in labeling' wine industry law
• Water guides discussion at global agriculture forum
• Dry conditions push farms to new irrigation strategies
• Study measures regulatory costs for Napa vineyards
• Researchers study ways to control flatheaded borer
• New CDFW director addresses priorities, predators
• National survey shows most farmers can't afford fertilizer
• What options are available to manage citrus thrips?
• Efficient irrigation through smart and informed irrigation purchases
• Going farm fresh: School districts look to growers as they ditch ultraprocessed foods
• Bountiful Finds: A curated collection of goods made by Farm Bureau members
• Super Snacks: Big California Flavor
• Peaches signal arrival of prime fruit season
• The Scenic Route: Pit stops at California farms and ranches
• From auction ring to dinner table: Coalition ensures no junior livestock exhibitor goes without a sale
• Why calling 811 before you dig is essential for California farmers
• Study: Maximize winter cereal yields with less water