At Pearson Farm in Fort Valley, Georgia, growers are working through the season with both traditional and newer peach varieties. Lawton Pearson described the Sun Prince as a canner peach, with firm flesh suited for processing. Although its lighter skin color once limited demand from grocery stores, he said the variety remains valued. "But really, they're gorgeous," he noted while offering a wedge.
The farm is also cultivating Liberty Joy, a variety developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Byron, Georgia, to perform under fewer chill hours and stronger sun. Liberty Joy's flavor profile differs from the Sun Prince's, providing options for varying consumer preferences. Lawton's daughter, Adeline Pearson, has been cooking with Liberty Joy peaches and showcasing recipes and family farming activities on social media.
The two varieties share only brief windows of availability, each about two weeks, within the 10-week Georgia peach season. Pearson Farm produces more than 40 varieties across 2,000 acres and supplies retailers such as Kroger, Costco, and specialty grocers along the East Coast and into Canada. Sales also occur directly at the farm's store, which offers peaches in packages ranging from 2-pound bags to 25-pound boxes.
While sales remain steady at the farm, overall U.S. peach consumption has declined, from 5 pounds per person annually to 2 pounds over the last two decades. Lawton Pearson attributes part of the decline to consumer expectations. "The thing about a peach is, it does have to be pretty, and if it's not sweet, it is pointless," he said. He added that consumers are less forgiving with peaches than other fruits: "They will buy another watermelon if the first one they get is bland, but with a peach, it's like people are crushed."
Growers also face challenges in ensuring fruit quality under variable conditions. Hard, under-ripe peaches shipped from distant origins have not supported consumer confidence, making it increasingly difficult for local producers to maintain demand.
Source: SavannahNow
