If you’ve ever asked a peach grower what their favorite variety is, you might not get a simple answer.
“It’s what I’m picking that day,” says Dr. Mike Parker, peach expert and professor in N.C. State’s Department of Horticultural Science.
That’s not just a clever response. It’s the reality of peach season. From late spring through late summer, different varieties ripen one after another, each with its own unique flavor, color and texture. So no matter when you visit a local farm or farmers market, the best peach is the one that’s ready to eat right now.
A Season Full of Options
In North Carolina, growers cultivate dozens of different peach varieties, and every one of them has its moment to shine. Some of the well-known names include Winblo, Contender, China Pearl, Carolina Gold, Intrepid, and Challenger. There are also popular varieties from neighboring states, like Georgia’s Flame Prince, Fire Prince, and Ruby Prince.
However, Parker doesn’t recommend looking for any of those varieties in particular. With so many varieties ripening at different times, no two weeks of peach season are exactly alike, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
“My parents had a retail operation — apples and peaches — and my dad’s favorite saying was, ‘We don’t weigh you when you come in or weigh you when you go out,’” Parker said with a laugh. “He wanted people to try the peaches or the apples, just to find out what’s good.”
Don’t Get Hung Up on Names
Many customers are curious to know the name of the peach they’re buying, and while that can be fun, Parker thinks it’s important not to get too caught up in labels. If you pick just one favorite peach, you’ll limit yourself to just the time it’s ready to be picked.
“When I give programs, I ask people their favorite apple varieties, and they’ll list off eight or ten, but I ask their favorite peach varieties? Nine times out of ten, nobody even knows a peach variety.”Parker said.
That’s perfectly okay in his opinion. Even if you do find a favorite, you might not see that exact variety when you return a week or two later. It may be next year before that particular variety is ready again. That’s because the lineup of ripe peaches changes quickly throughout the season.
“[Someone can buy one particular peach variety] but you know, when they come back in to buy peaches again, guess what? That peach may no longer be there. It could be past that season,” Parker said.
There are even some old-school varieties such as Elberta or Georgia Belle that people may recognize by name, but Parker would never recommend them. He said varieties have evolved so much that those old favorites just don’t compare to the quality of peaches developed over the last few decades.
“Educating the public is crucial,” Parker said. “It’s just better to go with what’s really in season this week.”
The Peach You Want Is the One That’s Ripe Now
Whether it’s a white-fleshed peach with high sugar and low acidity, a classic yellow peach with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, or even a fun flat-shaped “donut” peach, the variety that’s ready today is the one worth savoring.
So next time you’re at a farm stand or market, don’t worry too much about the variety name. Just know that North Carolina growers are proud to offer the best of what’s ripe, week after week, and the best peach is always the one that’s ready to enjoy right now.