Peach season peak: Plenty of reasons to get nostalgic

My father grew up working in the family peach orchard in the sandhills of Eastern North Carolina. All throughout my childhood, I heard stories about the particulars of growing peaches in Anson County, and we’d look forward to the middle of July when peaches hit their peak. Clingstones, freestones, white and yellow -- I adore them all.

One of the biggest thrills for me even to this day is to visit the North Carolina Farmer’s Market in Raleigh and see the sign for Anson County peaches from Pee Dee Orchards towering above an endless supply. My children grew up in Raleigh eating these peaches out of hand, peels and all. All of these threads tied together is why there’s something about a fresh, ripe peach that just makes me feel all sappy and nostalgic. And happy. Deliriously happy!

You’ll find several wonderful peach recipes here on Kitchen Scoop, (just do a search for peach), and we’re always looking for more. So if you have a favorite peach dish to share, please email it to us or describe it in the comments section following this post.