by Kristine Paulus
The subject of still lifes by Cézanne, O’Keeffe and Gauguin, a revered novel by Roald Dahl and a popular song by Nat King Cole, peaches are a summertime favorite. A relative of the flowering cherry, Prunus persica (commonly known as peach tree) bears one of the juiciest and fuzziest fruits in agriculture. Originally native to China, peaches have long been cultivated and were introduced to North America in the 1500s by Spanish monks near St. Augustine, Florida. Known for its popularity in the state of Georgia, it is hardy to USDA growing zone 5 so it can even be grown in our area.
Perfectly ripe peaches make a great standalone snack but will pretty much go with just about anything, whether your preferred palate is savory or sweet. They make a nice tangy addition to salsas and salads while their sugariness is ideal for pies, cobblers, ice cream and cocktails. Comment below to share your favorite peach picks!
Wondering what to do with your CSA peaches? Check out this Food and Wine piece for some inspiring ideas: https://www.foodandwine.com/fruits/peach/peaches
Pictured: Prunus persica (peach tree) growing in a New York City park.
Photo by Kristine Paulus
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