Georgia Peach Commission Gears Up For Plentiful Peach Season

Summer is on the way, and as warm temperatures make an entrance—so too does the Georgia peach season.

Each year, Georgia produces more than 2.6 million cartons, or more than 63 million pounds, of sweet-tasting peaches between mid-May and mid-August, and expectations are that the 2011 crop will meet or exceed that level.

“This year’s crop looks to be one of the best in recent years. We look to kick things off in a big way around Memorial Day,” said Duke Lane III, president of the Georgia Peach Council. “For the best and freshest peaches around, we encourage peach eaters to ask their grocers specifically for home-grown sweet Georgia peaches.”

Adding to the peach family is Peach County native Gena Knox, who has devoted a section of her latest cookbook, “Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors,” to recipes featuring sweet Georgia peaches.

“Nothing is more appealing in the summertime than a dish featuring sweet Georgia peaches,” said Knox. Here’s one of her favorite recipes to try, where Georgia peaches are the star ingredient:

Georgia Caprese Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Dressing:
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Salad:
2 (4-ounce) balls fresh, water-packed mozzarella cheese
4 ripe peaches, unpeeled, each cut into 8 wedges
½ cup fresh basil leaves

First:
To prepare dressing, combine lime juice, zest, vinegar, water, honey and salt. Slowly whisk in olive oil and set aside.

Next:
Cut cheese into 1-inch pieces and gently toss with peaches and basil leaves.

Last:
Whisk mint into dressing and toss about 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) with salad. Season with freshly cracked pepper and serve.

To learn more about Georgia peaches, get additional recipe ideas and sign the “Peach Promise,” visit the Georgia Peach Council at http://www.gapeaches.org and http://www.facebook.com/SweetGeorgiaPeaches.

Tags: featured, light healthy salads, peach caprese salad, summer foods

Category: Featured, Food & Wine