Learn More About Peaches - Easy Recipes
Ripe Peaches
Peach Tree Story
A peach tree is one of the most rewarding fruit trees to plant. The peach tree crop can be used for numerous succulent desserts, and they freeze very well to enjoy in the off season.
Peaches have been around since ancient times, as they were mentioned in Chinese writings in the tenth century BC. They were a favorite fruit of emperors. The Persians got the fruit from the Chinese, and it was passed on to the ‘Romans. Indian tribes in the United States are credited with planting seeds and trees in the US Thomas Jefferson had peach trees planted at Monticello.
Peach trees are grown in 38 different states, but do not do well in those states further north. Of course, Georgia peaches probably get the most notoriety.
Peach Tree Blossoms
How to Grow Your Own Peach Trees
The best time to plant a peach tree is in the dormant period (winter or early spring). The trees need full sun and do not require much care. Of course, if you want to maximize its yield, there are a few wise steps to take before planting.
Prepare the soil considering the long term needs of a tree, which means testing the soil to make sure the pH is roughly 6.5. Since most soil is acidic, adding lime will balance out this problem. It is best to work the lime into a 10’ by 10’ area, as it takes lime years to leach down into the deeper levels of the soil.
Next, dig a hole that is 3’ wide by 3’ feet deep giving the roots a good area to spread out. Inspect the roots for damage and soak the root for 10 to 12 hours before planting.
Make sure the roots are covered with a minimum of 2 inches of soil when you are finished. After you fill in the hole, tap down the dirt to remove any air pockets.
Water the tree thoroughly. Organic material will help the tree retain moisture, which can be organic compost, peat moss or manure.
Peach trees ideally will be 8-10 feet high and 12-15 feet wide.
Fertilize twice annually with a 10-10-10 product. Prune your tree in the spring as necessary. A “V” shape is the most productive as light can reach the inner branches. The peak crop will occur usually by the third year. Peach trees may be grown in numerous southern states in the United States. Checking with your local agriculture center can give you additional information.
Peach Orchard - Spring Blooms
Cook Time
Peaches Read for Topping
Serving of Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
- 6 medium peaches, sliced
- 6 1/3 Tbsp. Truvia or Stervia, May use sugar if preferred
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powde
- 3 Tbsp. reduced fat margarine, I used Olio
- 1/2 cup nonfat milk
Instructions
- Use a pan of boiling water and drop peaches in for about a minute to easily peel off skin. You can just peel the skin with a knife if you so choose before slicing peaches.
- In a large saucepan, combine sliced peaches, 1/3 cup of sugar (5 1/3 tbsp.), cornstarch, lemon juice and cinnamon. Toss to coat peaches.
- Set pan on medium heat and bring mixture to a boil. Let boil for 1 minute until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and pour into a 8" times 8" square pan.
- Use a medium size bowl to make topping. Combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder and salt. Work in the margarine until you have a granular mixture. Add milk and stir until flour mixture is evenly moist.
- Drop 8 tablespoons of topping mixture unto peaches. Put into the hot oven.
Finished Peach Cobbler
Nutritional Values if Using Sugar
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: One eighth of pan | |
| Calories | 173 |
| Calories from Fat | 27 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 3 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat 1 g | 5% |
| Carbohydrates 34 g | 11% |
| Sugar 15 g | |
| Fiber 2 g | 8% |
| Protein 3 g | 6% |
| Cholesterol 4 mg | 1% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Low Fat Fresh Peach Cobbler
Fresh Peach Desserts
Fresh peaches work well in many desserts. Please rate my low fat peach cobbler.
Peach ice cream is delicious. Try making a fresh peach milkshake using low fat ice cream. There are so many recipes for pies or cobblers, and peaches can also be found in salsas and in various barbecue recipes.
Peach Hand Pies Recipe - Laura Vitale
In Summary
If you are interested in growing a peach tree, this method sounds like a lot of work, but it is not to difficult when you consider a peach tree lives about 50 years. It is worth the effort to have this delicious fruit available each summer.
I hope you enjoy the low fat cobbler. It is delicious and even on Weight Watches it is only 4 points, which is low for a dessert. We found the truvia to work well, but if you prefer sugar it is still a low calorie dessert. It would probably be very good warm with a scoop of ice cream!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
