Last week we had the first freestone peaches available this season, the Winblo variety from Pee Dee Orchards in the North Carolina sandhills.  Peaches are available in North Carolina from mid-May until September.  While the full season spans 4 months, there are dozens of varieties of peaches that combine to make up the whole season.  Most peach varieties produce fruit for 2-3 weeks.  As one variety peters out, another variety will come available.  There are a number of differences in size, flavor, texture, etc. between varieties, so it can be interesting and fun to track different varieties throughout the season, and see which ones you like the best.  

The first varieties of peaches, available in May - June are known as "cling" or "semi-cling" peaches.  Cling means that the peach flesh sticks to the pit.  Depending on the year, some varieties of cling peaches can have outstanding flavor, however they do tend to go bad in a shorter period of time, and the "cling" factor makes them somewhat less desirable than later season peaches.  

The first week of July usually marks the arrival of freestone peaches.  A freestone means that the peach flesh comes right off of the pit.  Freestones usually grow a little bigger, have better texture, and are packed full of juice and flavor.  The most popular freestone peach is the Winblo, which is generally offered at a premium in farmer's markets due to its strong following.  However, depending on the year, there are a number of other varieties that can rival the Winblo.  

Following we have a list of common peach varieties, and their general times of harvest.  Each of these varieties is quite good for its time of year, but there are a number of differences between them.  See which ones you like the most this season!  

May:
Rich May - Usually the first variety available.
 
June:
Derby - Prone to split pits
Rubired - Prone to split pits
Red Haven - Good flavor, most popular June peach.

July:
WinBlo - Large, attractive.  First freestone of the season,  most popular variety.
Contender - Good size, color, good flavor.
Crest Haven - Large, attractive

August:
Sweet Sue - Good size, flavor.
Flame Prince - Medium to large, attractive
Big Red - Good size, color, flavor.

September:
Autumn Prince - Good size, color, most popular of late season varieties.

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