When is peach season in South Carolina? Test your knowledge of peaches with our quiz
Each day this week, we’ll share stories and fun facts about peaches, the summer staple.
While peaches aren’t native to South Carolina, they have been part of the state’s commercial agriculture industry for over 150 years. Their impact has even won them the Palmetto State’s official state fruit title.
Peaches are stone fruits with a hard pit inside that houses the seed. The edible part of the fruit, the mesocarp, can be white or yellow. As peaches ripen, they become sweeter and juicier. Almonds, cherries, and apricots join peaches in the stone fruit category, all of which fall under the rose family.
When is peach season in SC?
Peach season in the Palmetto State runs from mid-May to September. Peaches can be either clingstone, which means the stone is difficult to separate from the flesh, or freestone, where the stone can be removed easily. Midway between the two is semi-freestone.
According to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, any peach harvested in the state from the middle of the season to the end is a freestone peach.
Gaffney's Peach Festival: Gaffney's Peach Festival in its 47th year celebrates 'the tastier peach state,' see photos
Test your knowledge about peaches!
Peaches a big part of SC agriculture
Peaches are an integral part of South Carolina’s agricultural history.
South Carolina began shipping peaches commercially by train in the mid-1800s, but long before, indigenous people grew the fragrant fruit in this region.
Today, South Carolina ranks second in peach production nationally. California takes the top spot. In 2022, California farmers produced nearly 76% of the peaches in the United States. California produced 475,000 tons of peaches, compared to 67,400 in South Carolina. Georgia, known as the Peach State, produced 24,800 tons.
Since 2004, South Carolina has produced an average of about 63,000 tons of peaches each year, which amounts to nearly 139 million pounds of peaches each year.
Where to pick peaches in SC
If you’d like to find some fresh local peaches this summer, check out our list of Upstate farmers markets!
Want to pick some peaches of your own? Some orchards near or around the Upstate offer peach-picking experiences to locals.
Chattooga Belle Farm in Long Creek allows locals to pick various seasonal fruits. In the summer, freestone peaches, blueberries, and grapes are available.
Fishers Orchard in Greer offers more than 40 varieties of peaches, nectarines, plums, and apples throughout the growing season.
Black’s Peaches in York has a pick-your-own peach season from mid-June to August. The agri-tourism spot recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.
Jeter Mountain Farm offers peach picking just across the state line in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Right now, the farm offers pick-your-own flowers, blueberries, and blackberries along with its peaches.
The state’s agriculture department also offers a list of places to buy seasonal produce, including local markets and roadside stands.
Peach week in SC
South Carolina also hosts a Peach Festival in Gaffney, home to the famous Peachoid Water Tower, which took place last week.
As our Peach Passion Week progresses, look for historical and science fun facts, stunning photos, and peach-themed recipes!
Sarah Swetlik covers climate change and environmental issues in South Carolina's Upstate for The Greenville News. Reach her at [email protected] or on X at @sarahgswetlik.
Have a question for Sustainability with Sarah? Ask here or email [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about South Carolina's peach crop, take our peachy quiz
