This post was originally written in August 2021. Updated July 2023.

From May to September peaches are grown and harvested here in South Carolina. When hearing about southern peaches, people typically think of Georgia and the “Georgia Peach.” However, there are several facts many do not know:

1. South Carolina is the #2 producer of peaches. Second only to California.
2. Peaches are the state fruit of South Carolina.
3. South Carolina grows the tastiest fruit and is, therefore, called the “Tastiest Peach State.”
4. Georgia started growing peaches commercially before South Carolina, and that’s how we came to know “Georgia Peach.”

A Brief History

South Carolina began growing peaches commercially in the 1850’s. In the 1920’s, with cotton crops destroyed by the boll-weevil, farmers were forced to look for new crops. Peaches became popular. During a normal year South Carolina grows 60,000 tons of peaches throughout the state. While tourism is the No. 1 contributor to South Carolina’s economy, the addition from the peach industry is significant, that value is about $40 million.

Freestone or Clingstone

Peaches grown in South Carolina are either clingstone or freestone. The term refers to how easily the flesh pulls away from the stone. It’s pretty easy to tell which you have once you try to separate the two.

Clingstone’s are generally small and very sweet. Since the fruit doesn’t pull away from the stone, they are best eaten or used for jam or jelly. Clingstone fruit is available early starting in May and into June.

Freestone are available mid-June into September. They are best used for canning or freezing since the stone practically falls out when the fruit is sliced in half.

A Southern Recipe

As you might guess, southern cookbooks are filled with recipes with peaches. From spicy peach salsa to bourbon laced peach chicken to a peach and pineapple smoothie, peaches go from breakfast to dinner. No true southern cook would be without knowing how to make a tried and true staple – Quick Easy Peach Cobbler. With just 9 ingredients every cook has in their pantry, it goes together quick and easy.

From Southern Living Magazine, here is:

Easy Peach Cobbler

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups fresh peach slices
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon, optional

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Melt butter in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; add milk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter over butter, do not stir.
• Bring remaining sugar, peaches, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly; pour over batter, do not stir. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or cold.

If you like peaches, you will love this recipe. It can easily be halved, but I don’t know why you would.

ENJOY!