Peaches should be available in two weeks
Published 5:50 pm Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Although Durbin Farms posted pictures of a small load of peaches to their Facebook page on Wednesday, peaches should be in full swing throughout the county within the next two weeks.
According to Chilton Research and Extension Center Director Jim Pitts, the peaches are unusually late this year, but this year’s peach crop should be ready in the next two weeks.
“We almost have peaches,” Pitts said. “Some of the ones being picked right now are still green and not really ready but we are right around the corner from the peach season.”
Pitts said due to a cold spring, the peaches did not receive enough heat units to grow like they normally need.
“We had such a cold spring this year which has really delayed the peaches,” Pitts said. “I think this is one of latest times we have had to wait for peaches.”
Some of the earlier varieties available in the upcoming weeks will be Rich May, Flavor Rich, Early Gals and Queen Crest, which are all cling peaches.
Some of the later varieties available in the next couple of months will be Fair Time, Parade, Big Red and Late August Prince that are all freestone peaches meaning the pit separates readily from the fruit.
“I guess the longer we have to wait for the peaches the better they will taste,” Pitts said.