August is National Peach Month…
Ronald Reagan, when President of the United States, proclaimed August “Peach Month” and called upon the people of the US to incorporate this nutritious fruit into their diets and asked interested groups to celebrate this month with appropriate programs and activities.
Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:05 a.m., June 16, 1982.
National Peach Month recognizes the fuzzy stone fruit that provides us with a bounty of sweet goodness all summer long! The National Peach Council is a voluntary organization comprised of growers, packers, shippers, processors, and others affiliated with the U.S. peach industry. The council was formed in 1958 to unite the industry and provide a voice at the national level for issues facing the industry. As an industry, the peach plays a significant role in our food supply and economy. From orchard to factory, restaurants to bakeries and grocers, this fruit delivers. We enjoy them fresh off the tree, baked into our favorite desserts, canned or frozen to enjoy even after the season ends.
Delicious recipes leap off the page ready to be made as soon as the peaches are ripe. Share some!
Use #NationalPeachMonth to share on social media.
Fun Facts About Peaches
1. “The Peach State” is Georgia’s nickname. 2. Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C. 3. You can buy two main varieties of peaches: clingstone and freestone. It is harder to remove the flesh from the pit on a clingstone peach. 4. The flesh of a peach should have a slight give, but use your whole hand vs. fingertips to check. 5. A large peach has fewer than 70 calories and contains 3 grams of fiber. 6. “The World’s Largest Peach Cobbler” is made every year in Georgia. The cobbler measures 11 feet by 5 feet. 7. Peaches are grown in 47 States 8. Peaches are at their peak from June to the end of August.
August is also GET ACQUAINTED with KIWIFRUIT MONTH!!!
Originally discovered in the Chang Kiang Valley of China, kiwifruit was considered a delicacy by the great Khans who enjoyed the emerald green color and wonderful flavor. By the mid 1800s, the fruit had found its way into other countries and was nicknamed the Chinese gooseberry. New Zealand growers started to export this exotic fruit to specialized markets around the world. Then in 1962, a California produce dealer began importing New Zealand gooseberries. The dealer renamed the product "kiwifruit" because of its resemblance to the fuzzy brown kiwi — New Zealand's funny-looking national bird. By the late 1960s, California began producing its own kiwifruit in the Delano and Gridley areas.
Wondering how to eat a kiwi? Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwifruit lengthwise to create two identical halves. Then use a spoon to scoop the sweet, delicious meat of the kiwifruit from each half. Looking for maximum fiber and nutrition? Don't throw that skin away! It's loaded with nutrients and fiber, so rinse it off and bite right in! The kiwifruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K and Fiber. It is low in calories, low in sodium, has no cholesterol and only a small amount of fat.
Side note... It’s ALSO Dippin’ Dots Month but that is all I have to say about that
--- Your Friendly Dietitian, Nicole Maslar RDN, LDN
