With summer’s heat comes peach season, and this year’s crop in Chilton County is looking promising. Buckets of peaches are already filling the shelves at Durbin Farms Market, a welcome change from last summer. Durbin Farms Market, a staple for travelers along I-65, anticipates peak peach season in mid-July, promising a bountiful harvest.
Chilton County peaches are renowned for their quality, and there are countless ways to enjoy them. Here are 10 of our favorite ways to savor peaches:
- Fresh: Bite into a ripe, juicy peach for a naturally sweet and flavorful snack.
- Fruit Salad: Mix chopped peaches with strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a refreshing fruit salad.
- Grilled Peaches: Grill peach halves until they caramelize slightly. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a delightful dessert.
- Peach Smoothie: Blend fresh or frozen peaches with yogurt, a banana, and a splash of orange juice for a creamy and nutritious smoothie.
- Peach Salsa: Combine diced peaches with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of jalapeño for a sweet and tangy salsa, perfect with chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Peach Cobbler or Crisp: Bake sliced peaches with a crumbly topping made of oats, flour, sugar, and butter for a comforting dessert.
- Peach Jam or Preserves: Make homemade peach jam or preserves to spread on toast, pancakes, or use as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
- Peach Iced Tea: Brew a pot of your favorite tea and add sliced peaches for a refreshing and fruity twist.
- Peaches in Savory Dishes: Incorporate sliced peaches into savory recipes like grilled peach and goat cheese salad, peach-glazed chicken, or as a topping for pork chops.
- Peach Fruit Leather: Puree peaches, spread the mixture on a baking sheet, and slow cook at a low temperature to create your own peach fruit leather.
Peaches are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a fascinating fruit with a rich history and cultural significance. Originating in ancient China, peaches have become a symbol of sweetness, vitality, and joy worldwide. So, the next time you indulge in a juicy peach, remember its unique journey and appreciate this delightful fruit.
