Peaches are back in season across the South, and especially in The Peach State. Wait, which state is that anyway?

Georgia goes by The Peach State – you can see it on Georgians’ license plates. But the true title of Peach State really should go to South Carolina, which traditionally ships more peaches than its neighbor to the west.

The New York Times examined the longtime rivalry between the two states in a July 28 article “Peach Rivalry Becomes a War Between the Tastes.” Read the full story

Peach Quinoa Salad (Liz Weindruch photo)

I’m having a bit of a love affair with local peaches. Nothing says summer to me like biting into a soft, juicy peach, and I’ve all but perfected catching the juices with a paper towel as they dribble down my chin. I love them in pies, cobblers, and jams, but I also enjoy them in more savory roles, such as the star of this protein and fiber-packed salad. I like to make a big bowl of this Peach Quinoa Salad on Sunday nights to have for lunch during the week.

Read the full story

This year's crop is shaping up to be a good one. (Nancy Lehrer photo/http://www.flickr.com/people/rovernl/)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Local peaches are beginning to make their appearance at farmer’s markets, roadside stands and groceries. Experts say this year’s crop in the Carolinas could be the best in years thanks to a favorable winter and spring.

“We’ve got the best crop of peaches this year that we’ve ever had. We’ve got peaches on oak trees, I believe,” joked Brent Barbee of Barbee Farms, in Concord. Read the full story