Peaches and summertime are a perfect pair. The fuzzy, sun-kissed fruit is loved for its sweet, juicy bite and bright, floral aroma. For many, sinking your teeth into a ripe peach over the sink or out in front of you while the sweet, tangy juice drips down your hands is a quintessential summer experience. And peaches taste even better when they’re grown in Mississippi.
Mississippi peach farms are typically family-owned operations scattered across the state, growing fresh, tree-ripened fruit available from mid-May through August. Because crops are highly weather-dependent, it is recommended to call ahead or check the farm’s website before visiting.
For over a decade, Banks Peach Farm, an orchard in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, was operated by the original founders, the Banks family, and grew into a major local staple with thousands of trees. The orchard changed ownership this past season and was renamed TSM Farms. It is now owned and operated by the Miller and Kane families,who are working to preserve the orchard’s legacy. The 32-acre property boasts roughly 3,000 to 4,000 active peach trees…