In case you didn’t know, August is National Peach Month. I didn’t realize that myself until I received a box of the juiciest peaches I’ve ever seen from The Fruit Company.
I found this fascinating and started Googling to see if every fruit has its own month.
They don’t.
Apples, cherries, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, papayas and figs do, but most other fruits are only celebrated for a week or a day or not even in their natural form, e.g. National Banana Bread Day.
So what’s so special about peaches? And why does one of the classic albums of my impressionable years encourage us to eat one?
I started Googling again, and discovered on Snopes that, contrary to urban legend, the story behind Eat a Peach has nothing to do with Duane Allman being killed by a peach truck (which, by the way, isn’t true either; it was a flatbed). It actually refers to an answer Duane once gave to an interviewer’s question, “How are you helping the revolution?” Part of his response was, “Every time I’m in Georgia, I eat a peach.”
Okay, that’s not really helpful. But, while I’m digressing, did you know that the term “peachy” comes from the natural high some kinds of peaches produce? Before they were outlawed in the 1940’s, they were often sold as a drug and people who were enjoying their effects described themselves as feeling “peachy.” Can that really be true?
I did feel pretty peachy after biting into one of these beauties from The Fruit Company. Just look at how plump and fuzzy and roly poly they are!
I would definitely buy a blush that could give me this kind of peaches and cream complexion. And I wish we had smell-o-vision because there is nothing like the scent of a fresh peach to make you feel all warm and happy and summery.
Here. Take a whiff.
When I was growing up, we had a peach tree in the backyard that my uncle had planted. Yes, we lived in New York City, which is not quite farmland, but it was always a treat when we got to taste the first peach of the season.
And, anyway, who says Georgia has the monopoly on peaches just because its nickname is “The Peach State?” These peaches from The Fruit Company are grown in Oregon, and they’re amazing.
I Googled The Fruit Company, and learned that they’ve been around since 1942 when Roy Webster started growing and selling pears and apples from his own orchards. (I have my eye on that Blue Cheese and Pears basket, if anyone is taking notes.)
I also learned that the company is all about sustainability and helping to grow the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders by providing annual scholarships. That seals the deal for me and makes me feel, well, just peachy.
Check out their website for gorgeously-packaged gifts that look as good as they taste. To celebrate National Peach Month yourself, you can find some great recipes on The Fruit Company blog, including Peach Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette, which looks mouth-watering.
In my research, I discovered that August 24 is National Peach Pie Day, but there’s no way these peaches will last until then, when Michael, Sara and I are pretty much eating them at a rate of a peach or two a day.
And, once these peaches are gone, I’ll be looking forward to October. That’s National Apple Month, and I’m hoping to celebrate it with The Fruit Company.
Daisy says
Now I am totally craving peaches! I’ve never had them in salad and I am dying to try this.
Lois Alter Mark says
I know! Doesn’t that salad look delicious?!
Brittany C. says
I had no idea this was Peach Month! I actually had a peach scone this morning and it was delicious! I’m a huge fan of peaches!
Lois Alter Mark says
Ooh, peach scone sounds like a great way to celebrate anything!
Jennifer Medeiros says
I love peaches, but being from Florida, I’m an orange girl first, of course!
Lois Alter Mark says
I wonder if there’s a National Orange Month …!
Meagan Paullin says
Peaches are one of my all-time fave fruits!
Lois Alter Mark says
Agree!
Barbara Shallue says
Peaches were my favorite fruit, until a summer about 20 years ago when they suddenly turned against me. Now they cause me to swell and my throat to close up. I miss them! These look so yummy!
Lois Alter Mark says
That’s terrible! Just wait till National Apple Month instead!
Ellymay says
Hey Lois! Love the story and cool to think of fruits having their own month. I am canning peaches next week…peach compote for ice cream and yogurt are a huge hit here:)). I wanted you to know your previous story of Nanaimo bars is making me crave them. I hope to make some this weekend. Thanks so much for all you say. Xxxo
Lois Alter Mark says
Ellymay, wish we lived closer so I could taste all the goodies you’re making!! xo
Daisy says
I want the Blue Cheese and Pears basket!
We had a peach tree at our previous house and I miss it.
Lois Alter Mark says
I miss ours, too. And doesn’t that basket look amazing?!
Kristyn says
i havent had peaches in ages its time i get some!
Vicki Lugo says
Great story, How I love peaches and right now Costco has incredible peaches from Northern CA !!!
Lois Alter Mark says
Thanks, Vicki! The ones from The Fruit Company were so fresh and so juicy!