North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Alan Haigh <alandhaigh@gmail.com>]

I don't grow heirloom peaches, except Elberta and another whose name escapes me at the moment but some of you will know what it is because it needs to be cross pollinated.  I cut down a King George IV years ago- couldn't stand that insipid white fur ball.

 

I have one old Hardi-red nectarine that cracks like clay in a drought (except it's rain that causes it).  I always been impressed by its intense flavor when the weather allows me some fruit.  I mentioned my new Summer Beaut nect. that is clearly more resistant to cracking and has already provided me with some excellent fruit this season, although I'm glad I'm not trying to sell them- only about 20% are pristine enough for that this season.  If my site was fully open like a commercial orchard a lot more of them would be perfect, I'm sure. 

 

Now, as far as all modern peaches falling short of nectarines, I have to disagree.  My Earnie's Choice peach has much the snappy (acid) flavor of nectarines and the bouquet as well.  It is almost fuzzles so it eats a lot like a nect but it doesn't crack and it sizes up much, much better.  However this season I'm getting uneven ripening so far and its fruit has been starting to rot on one end while still green on the calyx end.  I'm sure this is related to our bizarre weather (wet, wet, and until the last couple weeks cool, cool) but Jonboy, Redhaven, and the rest that have ripened so far haven't done this.  Earnies Choice is still hands down the best peach I've eaten yet this season. 

 

I should mention that this is the trees first small crop and it's way to early to give it a total endorsement.  I'll let you know in about 3 years but over at Garden Web it got rave reviews all over the country during a peach discussion. 

 

Another new variety with lots of zing that I've mentioned here is Coral Star.  Softball sized peaches every bit as good as EC but with a bit more fuzz.

 

There are hundreds of new peach varieties and it's very difficult to know what they taste like if you don't grow them (peaches are just identified as peaches where you buy them).  I wonder what varieties with exceptional eating qualities I'm missing out on.  I grew Earnie's choice in my nursery for years before I happened to notice some ripe fruit on one of my trees there and tasted it.  I'm going to work harder to sample more of the new varieties.

 

For me, I like some acid with that sugar and I can't stand the low-acid offerings like White Lady.  Anybody have any special favorite peaches they'd like to endorse?