Did you know that peaches are the leading deciduous fruit crop in Texas? With an estimated one million trees planted and more than 30 varieties available, peaches are a major part of the state’s fruit production. Even with their prevalence, peaches aren’t the easiest crop to bring to market. Growing peaches in North Texas offers unique challenges and opportunities due to our region’s distinct climate, soil conditions, and pest issues. There are “chill hours” involved – the number of hours at or below 45°F in order to break dormancy, bloom, and grow normally in the spring. Our summer heat promotes sugar development, but too much can stress trees and reduce fruit size, and peach tree roots really don’t like “wet feet,” so good drainage is key. After all these challenges are handled, there are peach tree borers and oriental fruit moths to contend with.

All this to say, it takes dedication, TLC, and a lot of knowledge for the farmers at the Dallas Farmers Market to bring you that incredible first sweet bite of a fresh, perfectly ripe Texas peach. And since fresh peaches are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, plus rich in potassium, niacin, and antioxidants, now is the time to head to the Shed and enjoy the fruits of our labor!

Heddin Family Farms, Kelley Produce, and Williams Garden will all show you how to pick the best peach, including which are clingstone (where the fruit adheres tightly to the pit) or freestone (fruit separates easily from the pit) because that can be tricky. This weekend they’ll feature:

  • Elberta: a popular freestone peach variety, known for its juicy yellow flesh with a crimson blush. It is ideal for eating fresh, canning, freezing, and making jams.
  • Fiesta Gem: a clingstone peach featuring orange-red skin, yellow flesh, and a balanced flavor that is excellent for both fresh eating and cooking.
  • Gold Prince: a freestone peach variety known for its vibrant golden-yellow color and sweet, slightly tart flavor. It is a medium to large-sized peach with firm, juicy flesh, suitable for fresh eating, canning, or baking.
  • June Prince: a freestone peach with a very sweet flavor, offering versatile uses – perfect for desserts, tarts, jellies, jams, cobbler, and especially delicious straight off the tree.

Whatever your choice, grab your peaches and head over to 2 O’Clock Tasting to sample our very own Ricky Kowalewski’s (DFM Farmers Market Director) Peach Preserves.

Peach Preserves – (Ricky’s Recipe) HERE!

Life is better with the summer sweetness of the Dallas Farmers Market. You couldn’t pick a better weekend to come out and experience our commitment to the health and nutrition of the people who call this city home.