NORTH CAROLINA (LOOTPRESS) – North Carolina is experiencing an abundant peach season, which is expected to extend through October due to favorable weather conditions.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler noted that the absence of a freeze after peaches began budding, along with the optimal sandy soil and good drainage, has resulted in ample peach availability at farmstands, farmers markets, and grocery stores.
The number of peach farms and total peach acreage in North Carolina has increased between 2017 and 2022.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture reported 356 peach farms on a total of 1,273 acres in the state. Khaila Daye, a marketing specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, mentioned that North Carolina cultivates more than two dozen varieties of peaches, with growers currently harvesting clingstone peaches and soon to start harvesting freestone varieties.
In celebration of all things ‘peachy,’ the Sandhills region is hosting N.C. Peach Week from July 18 to 28 includes the North Carolina Peach Festival from July 18 to 20 in Candor.
Additional events throughout the week, such as Princess Peach Night, Peach-A-Palooza, and a free peach wine tasting, can be found on the full event schedule at https://homeofgolf.com/peach-week/.
Furthermore, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax will host Peach Day on Thursday, August 1, offering free peach samples, face painting, and more.
The market, open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., provides locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, wines, and specialty foods. Visitors can download the Visit NC Farms app at https://visitncfarmstoday.com/ to find local peaches.
