An update on peaches

After the rains, peach flavor was noticeably less intense, and the sugar noticeably diluted. That's because prunus species can really uptake free water, especially close to harvest. So for about a week now, I haven't been eating too many peaches. But this morning, I ate a peach of the variety "Early Red Haven" and it was a great peach. Not outstanding mind you, because the water was still there, and it made the flavor a bit bland.

But if it stays dry over the next few days, I predict we'll be back in the tall clover, just in time for "Red Haven," the main season variety that made Michigan peaches famous. "Red Haven" was introduced by Stanley Johnston, peach breeder working for Michigan State University, in 1940. Today, it is the world's most widely planted peach variety.

A few growers in Berrien County made their first picking of Red Haven yesterday. But it's actually the second and third pickings that are the best. So wait about a week if it's dry, and buy Red Haven for the freezer or to can. But if it rains a couple of inches or more, wait until the Flamin' Fury varieties PF 15a, PF 17, and PF 23; they're just as good. Other great varieties for eating and preserving include Glo Haven, Loring, and Bellaire.

I'll post about later varieties later.