The warmer months in South Carolina mean fresh, juicy, local S.C. peaches are back in season; a time of year everyone eagerly anticipates. From roadside stands to supermarkets, and perhaps in your own yard, this delectable fruit is synonymous with the Lowcountry, gracing our appetites nearly all year round.
South Carolina has a long, storied history with the peach. According to historical records, peaches were found in South Carolina as far back as the late 1600s, and today they’re something that the Palmetto State has become quite famous for.
In fact, South Carolina produces the most peaches of any state in the South.
Georgia may call itself “The Peach State”, but we know better. According to South Carolina Department of Agriculture statistics, the Palmetto State ships approximately 90,000 tons of S.C. peaches a year from its approximately 18,000 acres of peach orchards across the state, compared with Georgia’s 40,000 tons. All in all, the top 4 states for peach production are California, South Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey. California is a significant producer of both fresh and processed peaches, while South Carolina and Georgia mostly produce the fresh fruit.