Everyone knows that Georgia is the Peach State. Logic would dictate that it is because Georgia produces so many peaches. Just like California, the Golden State, produces so much gold? or Louisiana produces so many pelicans?? or North Carolina produces so many Tar Heels????? (not counting sports fans). At this point I began to realize that logic has little to do with a state’s nickname, even in Georgia.
In 2016, peaches only accounted for .38% of the state’s economy, way less than proceeds from selling pine straw, cabbages or blueberries. I guess it could be worse, I guess we could be “the cabbage state.” The hullabaloo with peaches in Georgia dates back to the 1920’s when enthusiastic peach growers began holding “Peach Festivals” in various towns in south Georgia to promote the sale of peaches. This splendid idea grew and grew until in 1924, the town of Ft. Valley (population 4,000) hosted a Peach Festival that attracted 20,000 people and the Peach Queen wore a pearl trimmed dress valued at $32,000 (probably more than the peach crop was worth) . Since that time, Georgia has been known as The Peach State.
It’s okay with me, I love peaches and was particularly thrilled to discover that this year offers a bumper crop of delicious peaches. 2017 was one of the worst peach years ever due to warm winter temperatures and then a late frost, but 2018 has been just peachy weather. Not only are peaches abundant this year, they are also fabulous.
You can tell if a peach is going to be good or not the moment you cut into it. If the flesh is shiny and the juice runs clear, you’ve got yourself a peach of a peach. Although they are superb just to eat right out of your hand, they may be even better baked into a delicious pie.
Rivers, my (almost) 11 year old grandson is quite the baker and when the family got together last week, Rivers baked TWO gorgeous peach pies. He has his own website and cooking blog where he posted the recipe. So, check it out and let us know what you think: http://www.thespectacularspatula.com .