For A Plentiful Peach Season (NAPS)—Summer is on the way, and as warm temperatures make an entrance—so too does the Georgia peach season. Each year, Georgia produces more than 2.6 million cartons, or more than 63 million pounds, of sweet-tasting peaches between mid-May and mid-August, and expectations are that the 2011 crop will meet or exceed that level. “This year’s crop looks to be one of the best in recent years. Welook to kick things off in a big way around Memorial Day,” said Duke LaneIII, president of the Georgia Peach Council. “For the best and freshest peaches around, we encourage peach eaters to ask their grocers specifically for homegrown sweet Georgia peaches.” Adding to the peach family is Peach County native Gena Knox, who has devoted a section of her latest cookbook, “Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors,” to recipes featuring sweet Georgia peaches. “Nothing is more appealing in the summertime than a dish featuring sweet Georgia peaches,” said Knox. Here’s one of her favorite recipes to try, where Georgia peachesare the star ingredient: Georgia Caprese Salad with LimeVinaigrette Prep Time: 15 minutes Yields: 4 servings Dressing: Juice and zest of 1 lime 1 tablespoon champagne or 1 1 % % 2 white wine vinegar tablespoon water tablespoon honey teaspoonsalt cup oliveoil tablespoons chopped fresh mint For the freshest peaches, ask your grocer for homegrown sweet Georgia peaches. Salad: 2 (4-ounce) balls fresh, water-packed mozzarella cheese 4 ripe peaches, unpeeled, each cut into 8 wedges \% cup fresh basil leaves First: To prepare dressing, combine lime juice, zest, vinegar, water, honey and salt. Slowly whisk in olive oil and set aside. Next: Cut cheese into 1l-inch pieces and gently toss with peachesandbasil leaves. Last: Whisk mint into dressing and toss about 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) with salad. Season with freshly cracked pepperandserve. To learn more about Georgia peaches, get additional recipe ideas and sign the “Peach Promise,” visit the Georgia Peach Council at www.gapeaches.org and www.facebook.com/Sweet GeorgiaPeaches. Note to Editors: Georgia peaches are not available in these states: California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
