All About California Cling Peaches

As we wrap up August we thought we would take a moment to talk about California Cling Peaches. Here are some facts from the California Cling Peaches website.

Peach History

The peach belongs to the rose family

China is the original home of the peach tree

California gold miners were the first to commercially farm California Cling Peaches

There are two categories of peach, Clingstone and Freestone, distinguished by the ease with which the edible area pulls away from the stone (pit)

California Cling Peach Industry

California Cling Peaches are the variety most commonly used for commercial canning as they are exceptional in their ability to retain their flavor and consistency

Almost all Cling Peaches are processed and rarely found fresh

In 2001 California harvested 470,000 tons of Cling Peaches

Butte, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tulare and Yuba counties produce most of the state’s Cling Peaches

California’s climate provides an ideal setting for peach trees, which require a chilling season followed by warmer days combined with rich soil and adequate water to produce the most flavorful fruit

Pruning is usually done in winter and thinning in spring to deliver the premium-sized fruit at harvest

Harvest commences at the end of June in the San Joaquin Valley to the south and comes to an end after Labor Day in the Sacramento Valley to the north

 Peach trees are usually planted with a minimum density of 121 trees per acre, their leaves nearly touching

Each acre produces an average of 18 tons of Cling Peaches per year

The California Cling Peach Board was established to promote California Cling Peaches domestically and internationally through the use of industry standards, education, research and innovation
   
If you’re interested in additional industry information, please visit our Industry Resources section

The Canned Advantage

Results of several nutrition studies show that canned fruit are as nutritious as their fresh and frozen counterparts

Canneries operate seven days a week throughout the harvest so that the fruit retains all the nutritional value and flavor

In most cases, peaches are canned within 24 hours of being picked, which insures that the peaches maintain nutritional value and flavor
    
Canned peaches retain vitamins A and C throughout their canned life

Most canned peaches have a shelf life of two years
    
California Cling Peaches are processed in one of four ways–sliced, halved, diced or added to fruit cocktail and mixed fruit

In 1999-2000, US per capita consumption of canned peaches was 4.4 pounds

For more tips and serving ideas, visit the “Versatile Canned Peach” in the Peach Tips section

Nutrition & Flavor

California Cling Peaches contain vitamin C, an antioxidant, which boosts the immune system, promotes healing and builds strong connective tissue to stabilize bones

Well-balanced diets, rich in fruits and vegetables, including California Cling Peaches, reduce the risk of many types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and even premature aging

Sweet, juicy and ready to eat, canned California Cling Peaches are an all-American family favorite

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Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391