The Southeast grows some of the best peaches in the country. Georgia may be the Peach State, but South Carolina actually produces more. Either way, u-pick peach season is a highlight of summer and the orchards are hot, sticky, and worth every minute.
When to go
Peach season in the Southeast runs from June through August. Early varieties (Clingstone) start in June. Freestone varieties, the ones that release the pit cleanly, begin in July and run through August.
Each variety has a 10-14 day window. A farm may have 5-8 varieties planted in succession, so the orchard is open for picking most of the summer. But a specific variety is only available for about two weeks. Call ahead to find out what is ripe.
What to bring
- A wide, shallow basket or box. Do not pile peaches more than two deep. They bruise under their own weight.
- Sun hat and sunscreen. Peach orchards have no shade.
- Water. It will be 90°F or hotter.
- Closed-toe shoes. Fallen fruit on the ground attracts bees.
- Cash. Many peach orchards are cash-only.
Which varieties to look for
Southeast u-pick orchards typically grow:
Clingstone peaches (June) are early-season peaches where the flesh clings to the pit. They are juicy and excellent for eating and canning, but harder to slice cleanly.
Freestone peaches (July-August) release the pit easily. These are the best for slicing, freezing, and baking. Common varieties include Elberta, Redhaven, and Cresthaven.
White peaches are sweeter and less acidic than yellow peaches. They have a delicate flavor that some prefer for eating fresh.
Nectarines are simply peaches without fuzz. They grow on the same trees and are picked the same way.
How to pick
A peach is ready when it releases from the branch with a gentle twist. If you have to pull hard, it is not ripe. Look for fruit with a yellow (not green) background color beneath the red blush.
Cup the peach in your palm and twist upward. Do not squeeze the fruit to test ripeness, it will bruise. Peaches do not get sweeter after picking, but they will soften.
After the pick
Peaches will soften at room temperature over 2-3 days. Once soft, move them to the refrigerator to hold for up to a week. Do not refrigerate firm peaches, the cold stops them from ripening.
To freeze: peel and slice peaches, toss with a little lemon juice and sugar, pack in freezer bags with the air pressed out. Frozen peaches are good for smoothies, baking, and cobblers for up to 12 months.
Find a farm
Georgia and South Carolina have the highest concentration of u-pick peach orchards. Browse Georgia farms or browse South Carolina farms to find an orchard near you.