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Peaches
Growing & Harvesting
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Peach trees must be grown in regions of the country that get cool enough in the winter to allow the tree to sleep for a period of time, just like the apple tree.
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To start a new tree, grafting is used or peach pits are planted. Grafting is when a peach shoot or bud is cut from one growing plant and attached to another plant. Then the two different plants grow together as one. You can also start a tree by planting a peach pit – but don’t expect to have peaches next week because it takes three years before a tree produces any fruit. Peach trees don’t like to have their roots too wet, so they must be planted in soil that drains well.
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A peach tree can grow to be 30 feet tall and can live for 40 years. But to make harvesting easier, they are only allowed to grow about 12 feet high.
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Peaches are harvested when they are firm, mature, and have just enough sugar. You know, most people don’t like the fuzz that’s naturally found on peaches. That’s why commercially-grown peaches are mechanically brushed after harvest – to remove most of the "fuzz."
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Ripening occurs after harvest. To slow down the ripening process, peaches are quickly cooled to 32 - 35 degrees Farenheit after harvesting. Peaches are then transported in refrigerated trucks to your supermarket.
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Mature and firm peaches become sweet, juicy and delicious as they ripen!
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