"What is the BEST peach variety?" This is one of the most common questions we get at Dickey Farms. Like apples, wine, pecans, etc., everyone has a favorite peach variety. The truth is, each peach variety is unique in it's own way. We believe the best peach variety is a subjective answer, as every member of the Dickey's have a different favorite peach variety!
Each peach variety has something special and distinct to offer. Weather that be its flesh color, size, skin color, juiciness, sugar content or acidity content. Because each one is so different, we always try to encourage our guests to keep coming back to sample all of our peaches to determine their own favorite!
There are over 2,000 different varieties of peaches grown in the world. At Dickey Farms, we grow over 20 different peach varieties, harvested on over 1,000 acres of rich Georgia soil. We chose our varieties based on multiple factors including popularity, durability, sweetness, size, etc. Ultimately, our farmers, Bob Dickey, Robert Dickey and Lee Dickey have selected the varieties based on five generations and over 120 years of experience growing peaches in the Heartland of Georgia, and they would all agree: each one is exceptional!
While each peach variety does have a little something that makes it special, there are a few tips we can share to help YOU select YOUR favorite peach variety.
How To Find Your Favorite Peach Variety: Selection Tips
- Smell the peach – a ripe peach will have a sweet and fruity fragrance. Some varieties have a more distinct ‘peach’ scent than others – but don’t let that fool you! White peaches, for instance, don’t have a strong smell – but have a very sweet, rustic tasting flesh.
- Feel the peach – Make sure the peach you are trying is ripe peach – it should be slightly firm but softer if you give it a gentle squeeze.
- Look at the peach – Note it’s color – but don’t have an expectation! While most people believe the darker the color, the more sweet the peach is – some of our sweetest peaches have a yellow skin and golden flesh.
- Last but not least – Taste the peach! Take note of how juicy it is. Does it have more sugar or more acidity? Is it softer or more firm? Each person has a different preference on how a perfect peach should taste.
To see when peaches are in season, read more about Georgia peaches here!
In closing, the best peach variety is simple: It’s YOUR favorite peach variety!
