With “ideal growing conditions” this year, New Jersey peaches should be at “their finest this season”. The state is the country’s fourth largest producer of peaches, growing yellow, white and donut varieties.

“Come July, you should be seeing our locally grown yellow and white peaches, and nectarines in supermarkets, farmers markets and farm stands,” says Bonnie Lundblad, senior sales representative for Sunny Valley International, the largest marketer of New Jersey peaches and recently elected chair of New Jersey Peach Promotion Council.

With a “combination of ideal soil, temperate climate and proximity to markets”, most Jersey peach orchards are close to demographically rich areas of the East Coast and Midwest – with shipments arriving within a few days to stores. This year’s “ample moisture and sunshine” are giving the fruit “good size and color”.

Since peach trees produce all their sugar while the fruit is on the tree, New Jersey growers try to pick the fruit with maximum sugar or full ripeness, and get it quickly to markets, thus preserving the sweetness and flavor.

“We strive to grow the very best peaches without cutting corners on food safety and a safe environment for our workers,” says Santo John Maccherone, one of the state’s primary growers, who sells his peaches and homemade peach cider and peach salsa under the Circle M label. “It’s a good, long season from when our trees bloom until we harvest, pack and ship the last box of peaches in September,” says Maccherone.

For further information and weekly updates on availability of Jersey Fresh peaches, check the council’s website (Visit Site).