Neely-Dorsey: August Is National Peach Month

Photo of peaches in crate taken by Facebook friend Peggy McDaniel – Kosciusko, MS

Ronald Reagan declared August as the “Peach Month” in 1983 and called upon the people of the United States to incorporate the fruit into their diets and to celebrate with appropriate
programs and activities.

DID YOU KNOW …

The peach originated in China and has been cultivated at least since 1000 B.C.

In the Chinese culture, the peach is thought to have mystical attributes, and supposedly brings luck, abundance and protection. China is the largest world producer of peaches with Italy coming in second.

The peach is the third most popular fruit grown in America. California produces more than 50 percent of the peaches in the United States. Georgia is nicknamed the Peach State and produces the world’s largest peach cobbler each year at 11′ x 5′

Nectarines are a variety of a peach with a smooth skin, not a cross between a peach and a plum.

A peach pit contains hydrocyanic acid which is a poisonous substance.

The term, “You’re a real peach,” originated from the tradition of giving a peach to the friend you liked.

TIPS:

You can ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for two to three days.

Sliced, fresh peaches should be tossed in lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.

I have a blogger friend, Karen Owen, who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. I call her “Undercover Southern” and I tell her that she wants to be a Southern Belle SO bad! Haha!

She is always asking about Southern traditions and often tries her hand at cooking Southern style foods. You can try out the recipe for a Peach Cobbler that she recently made and featured on her blog: acupofteaandacozymystery.blogspot.ca

Patricia Neely-Dorsey is the author of two books of poetry, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems and My Magnolia Memories and Musings-In Poems. Through her poems, the author hopes to protect, preserve and promote the rich cultural history and heritage of her state and region along with providing more positive images than all of the negative images usually portrayed. Patricia lives in Tupelo with her husband James, son Henry and Miniature Schnauzer, Happy. The author has been named a Goodwill Ambassador for the state by Governor Phil Bryant. Her slogan is “Always, Always Celebrating the South and Promoting a Positive Mississippi ” Her website is patricianeelydorsey.com and her email is magnoliagirl21@yahoo.com.

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