FRESH GA PEACHES, IPM, FREESTONE, NUMBER 2, Half Bushel, 25 LB Box
FRESH GA PEACHES, IPM, FREESTONE, NUMBER 2, Half Bushel, 25 LB Box
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Item Description
- 1/2 bushel of peaches is approximately 25 pounds.
- IPM, minimally sprayed (more info below)
Important Handling of Fresh Peaches
Always look through your box of peaches as soon as you receive them, just in case any have bruising or cuts. Number 1 peaches are basically unblemished, so imperfections should be very minimal, but it's still important to check. Set aside any that need to be used right away so they don't affect the other peaches in your box.
Plan to use your peaches soon after you get them. Refrigeration may prolong their life span.
Clingstone vs. Freestone
A clingstone peach has fruit that does not come off the pit. A freestone peach has fruit that comes right off the pit.
How are These Peaches Grown?
They're minimally sprayed.
In other words, the orchard will only spray the sections of the orchard that need treatment, and only when it's absolutely necessary to do so. But these guys are not just checking the orchard for bugs and disease, they are actively using a variety of natural and mechanical tools to keep the orchard healthy. Tricks like mating disruption and simple insect traps help to keep the pest population to a minimum. And common-sense practices like weeding help keep the trees healthy. This growing method is commonly called Integrated Pest Management. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Difference Between Number 2 & Number 1 Peaches
Number 2 peaches are blemished in some way and may have some bruising. Number 1 peaches are basically unblemished.
Peach Measurements
3-4 medium or 2-3 large peaches = about 1 lb
1 lb peaches = 3-4 cups sliced peaches, loosely packed
1 lb peaches = 2 cups peach puree
1/2 bushel = 25 lbs
How to Peel Peaches Easily
- Prepare a cold water bath, either in a sink or large bowl.
- Place the peaches to be peeled in a colander, or basket, or drop them directly into a deep pot of boiling water for almost one minute. Make sure that each peach is completely submerged and that they are free enough for water to flow all around them.
- After one minute in the boiling water, immediately plunge the peaches into the cold water bath. You may need to change the water or add ice to keep the water cold.
- The skin should come off the peach very easily now, just like peeling tomatoes.
Freezing Your Peaches... 
For smoothies:
We like to cut our peaches into quarters and freeze them on cookie sheets. Once they're frozen, we put them into gallon freezer bags. This way the peaches won't freeze together as one big block. Since we make smoothies in our powerful VitaMix, we don't bother to peel the peaches. Check out our favorite peach smoothie recipe, Orange Peach Sherbet Smoothie.
To freeze sliced or cubed peaches:
Put whole peaches in hot water until the skin slips off. Then put the skinned ones into a big bowl of water you've prepare with ascorbic acid (½ teaspoon ascorbic acid per 2 cups of water) or lemon juice. Cut into slices or chunks and place into quart bags. We've found that one quart bag stuffed full makes a perfect size pie. We don't add sugar to freeze them, and it works just fine.
In a hurry to get them frozen?
We've tried freezing peaches whole, and although it takes up more space, they actually turned out pretty well. Run them under hot water and the peel slips off. After they thaw for a little while, you can slice them up. The peaches don't brown at all because they're still in their skins. A handy time saver!
However you prepare your peaches for freezing, place your freezer bags or containers as quickly as possible into the coldest part of your freezer, allowing room around the containers to promote fast freezing. Containers can be packed more economically space-wise after one day of freezing. Be sure to date your packages.
How to Plant a Peach Pit
- After you have eaten a few peaches, clean the pits and store them in the refrigerator until September or October.
- Plant the pits about five inches beneath the soil surface. It's best to plant a few in case some don't sprout.
- Mark the location.
- Your tree will begin to grow in the spring!
- Keep the tree watered and fertilized and you'll have fruit in 2-3 years!
