Show your “ap(peach)iation” on National Eat a Peach Day 🍑
July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023
National Eat a Peach Day is coming up on Tuesday, August 22. This mouthwatering occasion invites peach lovers to celebrate the vibrant flavors of this beloved fuzzy fruit. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up a list of ways to savor the sweetness of the region’s finest peaches that are grown and harvested locally.Â
This holiday is the perfect time to test out your culinary creativity and indulge in the many ways to enjoy peaches. While you can relish the simple pleasure of biting into a fresh, ripe peach, you can also explore recipes such as pies, jams, and salads. Enjoy the ultimate combination of fresh flavors with this peach salsa recipe by Watsonia Farms, or blend yourself a refreshing peach smoothie using this recipe by Titan Farms. The versatility of peaches lends itself to both sweet and savory dishes, offering endless possibilities for culinary exploration.
 🍑 The world’s largest peach, according to the Guinness World Records, weighed a whopping 1.81 pounds and was grown right here in South Carolina in 1989.
 🍑 Peaches are low in calories and packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of diseases.
 🍑 The fuzzy skin of peaches is called “pubescence.” This layer helps protect the fruit from pests and extreme weather conditions.
 🍑 South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia. On average, SC harvests three times the amount of peaches than GA in a typical season. Who’s the peach state now?
 🍑 The beautiful blossoms of peach trees typically bloom in early spring, filling orchards with pink and white flowers. In some cultures, the blossoms symbolize purity, love, and feminine charm.
3771 Hwy 23 | Monetta, SC 29105
Pond Branch Road I-20 Exit 44 | Gilbert, SC 29054
Watsonia Farms is known for their popular stand, Peaches n’ Such (and Peaches n’ Such II). Watsonia freestone peaches are perfect for baking, canning, cooking, and freezing, but they highly suggest eating them freshly sliced. If you’re in the area, be sure to try their famous homemade peach ice cream.
202 Farm View Rd. | Batesburg, SC 29006
This family-owned farm is over 100 years old and renowned for its bountiful orchards, where the sweet scent of ripe peaches fills the air. Cotton Hope Farms is home to 30 varieties of juicy peaches. If you’re traveling through the region, keep an eye out for one of Cotton Hope Farms’ stands, The Sweet Peach Roadside Stand– your tastebuds will thank you.
5 R. W. DuBose Road | Ridge Spring, South Carolina 29129
South Carolina’s own Titan Farms is the largest peach grower in the Southeast and the second largest peach grower in the United States. From their environmentally friendly practices to their commitment to quality, Titan Farms offers delectable, premium peaches. Their local farm stands, Sara’s Fresh Market, are the best way to get your hands on their delicious stone fruit. If you’re looking to share the sweetness of their peaches with someone you love who doesn’t live nearby, fear not! Titan Farms ships peach gift boxes throughout the summer.Â
500 East Main St. | Ridge Spring, SC 29129
Dixie Belle Peaches has undergone a multi-million dollar expansion in the last few years, now farming orchards in Edgefield, Saluda, Orangeburg, and surrounding areas with a diverse offering of peach varieties. Dixie Belle also offers an array of peach-based products, from preserves and ciders to BBQ sauces and dressings. [Dixie Bell is done with their peaches for the year due to bad weather damage from the winter. Be sure to keep them in mind for next season!]
Gilbert Community Park | Gilbert, SC 29054
While this year’s event has already happened, mark your calendars for the annual Lexington County Peach Festival. The fruity festival is a peach lover’s dream, featuring a variety of food and treats, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere. It takes place on the fourth of July every year, so you can start planning your visit for next year now!