Did you know the state that produces the most peaches per year isn't even in the American South? In fact Pennsylvania is one of the largest domestic producers of this summertime fruit. (New Jersey comes in a close second.) The center of Pennsylvania's peach-growing industry is located along the state's southern border, primarily York and Adams counties. In fact, a famous skirmish of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War took place on a site known as the Sherfy Peach Orchard.
In Pennsylvania, the warm summer months coax dozens of peaches to perfection, even though September marks the official peak of the peach season. It's worth making a trip to the state to pick your own from the dozens of orchards that dot the southern end of the state. But even if you can't make it to Pennsylvania, you can still enjoy the juicy goodness of peaches where you live thanks to local farm markets and produce stands. The peaches you find at these places will most likely be sweeter than the ones you find in grocery outlets. Plus, it's also a good idea to support your local farmers who bring us this fresh seasonal produce.
There's a few points you should consider before buying peaches. When selecting peaches, be sure to look for a creamy, yellow color on the skin; the red blush marks are not true signs of ripeness. The flesh of the peach should be firm, but not hard to the touch. Avoid any peaches that have soft spots or greenish spots on the skin. Peaches can be safely stored in the refrigerator inside a plastic bag in the crisper, but to enjoy their full juicy flavor, let them sit out at room temperature before serving.
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