Georgia Doesn't Actually Produce The Most Peaches In The US

California produces more peaches than any state

If you've ever bought peaches at your local grocery store during the winter, you may have noticed two things: they aren't sourced from the United States, and their flavor isn't as delightful. These peaches likely originate from the southern hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed; while it's winter here, it's summer there, making the peaches ripe for harvest. However, the long journey to the US means they lose some sweetness along the way. In contrast, during the summer months, California produces an impressive 475,000 tons of fresh peaches, according to the USDA's peach statistics for 2022. There are two primary varieties of California peaches: clingstone and freestone. Clingstone peaches have flesh that clings to the pit, whereas freestone peaches have flesh that separates easily from the pit. Freestones are typically easier to eat and slice, which is why clingstones are often used in processed products like canned peaches. California's peach season runs from April to October, with peak production of both varieties occurring between July and September.

Why are Georgia peaches so famous?

Georgia doesn't even rank second in peach production. That honor belongs to South Carolina, which produces approximately 67,000 tons of peaches annually, according to the USDA. Georgia lags significantly behind in third place, with only about 25,000 tons harvested each year.

So, why are Georgia peaches so renowned? The answer lies largely in the Civil War. Legend has it that soldiers from various states would often pick peaches from Georgia trees for a midday snack while on duty. The delicious flavor and juiciness of these peaches quickly gained popularity, and Georgia became recognized across the United States for its peach harvests. After the war, the South sought to reshape its image, and Georgia embraced its peach production as a means to distance itself from the slavery associated with cotton farming (despite the fact that many unfair practices persisted on peach farms in the 1800s as well). Georgia's reputation as the peach capital has endured for over 150 years, with many still considering it the peach capital today.