Peach Industry An Overview of the Peach Industry in Georgia Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Dr. Frank Flanders and Adrienne Gentry August 2006

Objectives Students will be able to: Explain the importance of the peach industry in Georgia. Name four peach products. Name three varieties of peaches grown in Georgia. State key facts about peaches. Name three of the top peach producing counties. Rank the peach industry compared to other Georgia agricultural commodities. Rank Georgia with other states in peach production.

Why is the peach industry important? Peaches have long been a Georgia trademark and are now the state's official fruit. Although Georgia is called the Peach State, it ranks third in the United States’ peach production behind California and South Carolina. Peaches are a healthy alternative to sweets and taste great. Peaches provide significant income to our state’s economy annually.

The History of the Peach in Georgia Peaches were first grown in Georgia during the colonial period of the 1700s. After the Civil War, Georgia growers developed several hardy peach varieties. These new varieties boosted the commercial peach industry and made Georgia the "Peach State”. The first peaches grown in Georgia were the Elberta variety and during the late 1800s, were highly successful on northern markets because of its exceptional color, size and quality.

Peach Products Fresh Peaches Peach Cobbler Peach Pie Peach Juice Peach Salsa Peach BBQ Sauce Peach Ice Cream Peach Syrup Skin Care Peach Butter Peach Jelly Peach Jam Peach Candies Peach Salad Dressing Peach Cider Peach Hot Sauce Peach Bread Lotions

When selecting peaches… Smell the peach. The peach is a member of the rose family and should have a pleasingly sweet fragrance. Look for a creamy gold to yellow under-color. The red or "blush" of a peach is an indication of variety, not ripeness. Peaches should be soft to the touch but not mushy. Look for a well defined crease that runs from the stem to the point. Don't squeeze peaches; they bruise easily. Place firm peaches on the counter for a day or two, and they'll ripen. Promptly refrigerate ripe peaches and eat them within a week of purchase. To keep sliced peaches from darkening, add lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Peach Varieties The three common varieties of peaches grown in Georgia are: Clingstone Semi-Free Freestone

Peach Producing Counties in Georgia Many Counties in Georgia produce peaches but most of the top producing counties are located in Central Georgia. 1. Peach County 2. Macon County 3. Taylor County 4. Brooks County 5. Houston County

Georgia’s Commodity Value Item Rank by saleSales ($1000) Percent of total sales Poultry and eggs12,780, Vegetables, melons, and potatoes2383, Cotton and cotton seed3318, Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture4315, Other crops and hay5246,9365 Cattle and calves6240, Milk and other dairy products from cows7212, Fruits (Peaches), tree nuts and berries8122, Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas9102, Tobacco1089,0581.8

US Peach Production Top peach producing states 1. California 2. South Carolina 3. Georgia

Peach Production

Interesting Facts Peaches are low in fat, naturally sodium free and have no cholesterol. Peaches are a low calorie snack, a medium size peach contains only 40 calories. Peaches contain vitamin A which helps us see in dim light. Peaches are considered a good source of fiber. The skin of a peach provides both roughage and fiber.

Assessment 1. Name four peach products. 2. Where is Georgia ranked nationally in peach production? A. 10 th B. 3 rd C. 1 st D. 5 th 3. Name the 3 common varieties of peaches grown in Georgia. 4. Name two Georgia counties that produce large quantities of peaches. 5. Peaches were first grown in Georgia during what era? A. 1700’s B. 1600’s C. 1900’s D. 1800’s 6. What was the first peach variety grown in Georgia? A. Peachy Sweet B. Elberta C. Omega Brights D. Lola 7. What family is the common peach in? 8. When selecting a peach, it should be __________. A. soft B. slightly firm C. very firm C. mushy 9. When selecting a peach, look for a well defined ________ that runs from the stem to the point. A. line B. crease C. hole D. dark mark 10. The skin of a peach provides both roughage and ______. A. sugar B. starch C. carbohydrates D. fiber

Quiz Key 1. Fresh Peaches, Peach Cobbler, Peach Pie, Peach Juice, Peach Salsa, Peach BBQ Sauce, Peach Ice Cream, Peach Syrup, Skin Care, Peach Butter, Peach Jelly, Peach Jam, Peach Candies, Peach Salad Dressing, Peach Cider, Peach Hot Sauce, Peach Bread, Lotions and any other specifics. 2. B - 3 rd 3. Clingstone, Semi-Free, Freestone 4. Peach County, Macon County, Taylor County 5. A ’s 6. B - Elberta 7. The Rose family or Rosaceae 8. A - soft 9. B - crease 10. D - Fiber

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