Though
peaches were originally planted in St. Augustine, Fla., Franciscan
monks introduced them to St. Simons and Cumberland islands along
Georgia's coast in 1571. By the mid-1700s peaches and plums were
cultivated by the Cherokee Indians.
Raphael
Moses, a planter and Confederate officer from Columbus, was among the
first to market peaches within Georgia in 1851 and is credited with
being the first to ship and sell peaches successfully outside of the
South. His method of shipping peaches in champagne baskets, rather
than in pulverized charcoal, helped to preserve the flavor of the
fruit and contributed to his success.
Considerable
expansion of peach acreage occurred in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, resulting in an all-time high production of almost eight
million bushels by 1928. Since then production has decreased to about
2.6 million bushels annually.
The
first Georgia peaches were shipped to the New York market between
1858 and 1860. They were transported by wagon to Augusta, then by
shallow-draft boat to Savannah, and finally by steamship to New York.
Georgia earned its "Peach State" designation during the
three decades following the Civil War.
Samuel
Rumph, a middle Georgia peach grower during the early 1900’s,
revolutionized the peach industry with a new variety which he named
after his wife Elberta. This yellow-fleshed peach was of
superior quality and shipped better than previous varieties. Elberta
remained the leading peach in Georgia until 1960’s but newer
varieties have since replaced the Elberta in commercial use. Although
the Elberta remains the most famous peach name, Georgia now produces
more than 40 commercial varieties, and the Elberta is not one of
them.
Try this healthy refreshing smoothie. Great for breakfast or pick me upper.
Peach
Smoothie
Recipe
adapted from Paula Deen
Ingredients:
1 cup
frozen peach slices
1 cup
water
1/4
teaspoon ground ginger
1/2
teaspoon honey
Directions:
Add all
ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Add
a little water if you need to loosen it up. Enjoy!
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I love peaches. Your smoothie sounds real refreshing with the ginger.
ReplyDeleteWe spent a wonderful week at St Augustine about five years ago and a cafe there did the most amazing smoothies. Good enough to go back for ...
ReplyDeletesound refreshing!
ReplyDeleteI've needed a pick me upper all week. Perfect timing with this one.
ReplyDeletePeaches are one of the best treats of summer. The healthy-sugar energy boost from this smoothie must be quite exhilarating! Great presentation in that little jar!
ReplyDeleteI love peaches, and I'll make this yummy smoothy from ripe Southern Illinois peaches, the best!
ReplyDeleteI love peaches, and this smoothie looks amazing! I have yet to make any smoothies with all the fresh summer fruit, I need to soon!
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious! I need something like this for a pick-me-up instead of coffee!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delicious Christine and I like the added ginger flavor. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteMmm...peaches just smell like summer!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect way to start the day!! Now I need to get some peaches!!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely and refreshing. :) Have a great weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed to discover that the Cherokee Indians had access to frozen peach slices! Astonishing!
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeletePlease read the post. Nothing mention about the Indians having access to frozen peaches.
Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you reply to Anonymous. lol
I love peaches and smoothies.
I love ginger so this would have to be good. Diane
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!! While I don't know what type of peach it is, my dad has a tree that every year brings bags and bags of peaches to our tables. We are always on the lookout for new recipes, and this one is sure to be a hit. I can see my kids making it and freezing any leftovers into popsicles!
ReplyDeleteLove peaches. Looks like a very yummy drink!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful blog, I love a peach smoothie, But I use Food processors rather than a blender to make the smoothie.
ReplyDelete