When Are Georgia Peaches Ready to Pick?
Georgia peaches refer not to one type of peach, but to any of the 44 varieties grown in the state. Most ripen between mid-May and early June, but a few are not ready for picking until July. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Changes in Color
-
The green ground color on these peaches means they are not yet ripe. Check the ground color of the peach by looking at the side of the peach that is not exposed to the sun. A ripe peach shows little or no visible green skin. Yellow or orange/pink ground skin, depending on the variety, indicates ripeness.
Softness
-
A ripe Georgia peach should have a bit of softness to it. Gently poke a finger against the skin or use a hand-held penetrometer; if there is some give, the peach is ready to pick.
-
Scent and Taste
-
A ripe peach smells fresh and fruity. Ripe traditional peaches taste sweet with a bit of acidic tang; experimental varieties taste sweet and bland.
Size
-
Peaches grow in diameter due to a swelling of water and sugar during their final two weeks of growth. Compare fruit on the tree before picking and go for the larger ones.
Easy Pickings
-
Ripe peaches pull easily away from the tree.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Peach Tree in Sinai Egypt image by Rafik Elmlansy from Fotolia.com
