Did you know that it wasn't until 1995 that the state of Georgia designated the peach as the official state fruit? Lovingly known as 'The Peach State,' Georgia got its nickname due to its reputation for producing the highest quality fruit.
Peach cobbler, peach ice cream, and peach tea are just a few of the South's favorites that come to mind when thinking about this beautiful, fuzz-coated fruit. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting with my friend, Linda Newton, at Ogeechee Peaches in Millen, Georgia.
Mrs. Linda and her husband, Rodney, began their peach tree journey approximately twenty years ago and admit that it was much of a learning curve for them when they began. They now take joy in growing fifteen different varieties of peaches through the months of May to August.
During this season of harvest, they collect around six cases of peaches per tree which is equal to about twenty-five pounds per case. Unfortunately, the peach crop took a major hit this year due to the inconsistent weather pattern we've experienced here in south Georgia. Mrs. Linda reports having lost approximately ninety percent of this year's peach crop.
Thankfully, peaches aren't the only fruit they take pride in growing. Others include but are not limited to nectarines, muscadines, blackberries, and seasonal vegetables. Ogeechee Peaches can be found at the Statesboro Farmers Market as well as three others in Georgia. It's important to note that when you are wanting to make a purchase that you should get in line early as they report typically selling out within the first hour of opening. (I think that screams the love of all their homegrown deliciousness!)
Check them out & make your way to your kitchen. A summertime treat is well-deserved. I'll attach a recipe for a summer peach trifle.
Peach Trifle
- ½ of a sour cream pound cake
- 6 peeled and sliced ripe peaches (Reserve a few slices for topping)
- 3 cups half and half
- 2 pkgs of French Vanilla instant pudding
- 1 tsp real vanilla
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large container of Cool Whip
- Trifle dish or your favorite glass bowl
1. Whip together half & half and pudding mixes until blended well. Let sit for 10 minutes. It will be thick. Add the can of sweetened condensed milk until the mixture looks creamy. Add Cool Whip and beat for 3 minutes. Meanwhile take the peeled peaches and try your best not to eat the whole bowl. Add the lemon juice and sugar in a bowl and it sit aside until you get ready to assemble the trifle. I use lemon juice to keep the peaches from turning brown.
2. Cube your pound cake, and yes -- use the crumbs, too!
3. Take your dish and put a good layer of cake in the bottom.
4. Next add a layer of the peaches (and yes, use the juice).
5. Next add some of the pudding mixture.
6. Then repeat the pattern.
7. Top with reserved peaches.
We actually use a few peach leaves for garnish, too. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!
From my kitchen to yours,
Cathy
