Stone Fruits

Peaches are divided into three categories depending on the type of pit they contain.

Freestone:
Peaches in the “freestone” category have flesh that easily comes away from the stone. The different kinds of freestone peaches such as “Early Amber,” “Fay Elberta,” “Glohaven,” “Golden Jubilee,” and “Loring” tend to be large peaches with yellow flesh. Peaches with freestones are the most popular peaches for eating fresh. They also have firm yellow or white flesh with a sweet taste. They are not as juicy as clingstone peaches.

When it comes to the best peaches for baking, freestone peaches are ideal. Cutting through the peach allows the stone to fall out. So, they are easier to prepare for cooking than clingstone peaches. Use freestone peaches for freezing, canning, baking, and eating fresh.

Clingstone peaches:
As their name suggests, clingstone peaches have flesh that hugs tightly to the stone. In some varieties, it seems almost impossible to remove the pits from the flesh. Some common types of clingstone peaches include “Flordaking,” “Garnet Beauty,” “Halford,” “June Gold,” and “Ruby Prince.”

Compared to freestone peaches, clingstones have softer flesh that is juicier and sweeter. The flesh color tends to be yellow, making clingstone peaches more acidic than white freestone peaches. Because they are more difficult to eat fresh, clingstone peaches are rarely sold in stores. However, they are usually the type of peaches you’ll find in desserts, cans, jams, and jellies.

Semi-freestone:
Semi-freestone peaches are a hybrid of freestone and clingstone peaches. These types of peaches such as “Red Haven,” “Florida Dawn,” “Dixie Red,” and “Coronet” can be white or yellow peaches and have a tart to sweet flavor. Many varieties of nectarine peaches have semi-freestones.

• The life of a peach tree is about 15 years, and peaches don’t bear fruit during the first two years The trees produce some fruit the third year but bear the most peaches in years 4 to 15.

• Georgia grows 130 million pounds of peaches each year, but California and South Carolina produce even more.

• The United States grows 978,260 tons of peaches each year. That’s 1.9 billion pounds!

• Peaches get their flavor from their variety, not their color.

• Freestone is the most common peach variety (where the pit is easily removed), but other varieties include semi-freestone, white, clingstone and donut.

• Peaches are packed with several major nutrients, including vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C and potassium.

• One medium-sized peach contains just 38 calories.

• Peaches are an excellent source of fiber, good for blood sugar and naturally fat free.