The arrival of warmer months in the South marks the much-anticipated return of fresh, juicy peaches.
Whether they’re picked up from roadside stands, stocked in supermarkets, or harvested right from your backyard, peaches are a beloved symbol of Southern summer—and, thanks to modern farming, they’re now available nearly year-round. South Carolina, in particular, has a deep-rooted history with this sweet fruit.
Records show that peaches were found in the Palmetto State as early as the late 1600s, and today, South Carolina is recognized nationwide for its peach production. South Carolina grows more peaches than any other Southern state.
While Georgia proudly calls itself “The Peach State,” the numbers tell a different story. According to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the state produces around 90,000 tons of peaches annually from roughly 18,000 acres of orchards.
In comparison, Georgia produces about 40,000 tons. Nationally, the top four peach-producing states are California, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. California leads in both fresh and processed peach production, while South Carolina and Georgia primarily focus on fresh fruit.
So important are peaches to South Carolina that the state designated them as the official state fruit in 1984.
Interestingly, peaches are originally from China, where they’ve been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Spanish settlers introduced them to present-day South Carolina in the 1500s, and by the 1600s and 1700s, many believed the fruit was native to the area due to its widespread growth.
Commercial peach farming in South Carolina didn’t take off until the 1850s, when it became a profitable crop. But it wasn’t until the 1920s—when former cotton farmers sought new opportunities, that peaches gained true popularity.
Georgia earned its “Peach State” nickname because it began growing peaches commercially before South Carolina. But South Carolina’s most fruitful years came after World War II, peaking in 1984 when the state harvested a record-breaking 480,000 tons.
South Carolina peaches are not only enjoyed fresh—especially chilled on a hot day—but also used in a variety of delicious recipes.
From classic peach cobbler and homemade pies to ice cream, sorbets, salads, smoothies, jams, jellies, glazes, and even savory items like peach salsa and peach-glazed meats. They’re also perfect in pastries like tarts and danishes.