Variety
There are hundreds of different peach cultivars (varieties), but basically there are two types, the freestone and clingstone. The “stone” is the pit in the middle of the peach. In freestones types, the flesh separates readily from the pit. In the clingstone type, the flesh clings tightly to the pit. The flesh may be either yellow or white. Freestone types are usually preferred for eating fresh or for freezing, while clingstone types are used primarily for canning. Most fresh peaches available in your produce department are freestone. Two of the most popular varieties Fruit Patch grows are Elegant Lady and O-Henry. These two peaches are yellow flesh varieties.
Locally Grown
For generations, peaches have been a valuable asset to agriculture in California. California ranks first in the U.S. in production of peaches. The San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Kings, Merced, Tulare, Kern, Madera, San Joaquin Counties) is the largest growing region of peaches in California. Fruit Patch has steadily increased its acreage over the last 28 years to become the largest peach grower and shipper in the United States. Fruit Patch grows their fruit only on the best Class 1 soils for optimum peach growth and production. Class 1 soils are defined as deep, fine-sandy loam soils with good internal drainage. Nearly all common varieties of peaches are self-fruitful (varieties that will set fruit with their own pollen; self-pollination is the transfer of pollen within a single plant or among several plants of the same variety) and have a decorative pink blossom. For 2004 Variety Availability, please click here.