The peach (Rosacea, genus Prunus, Species P. persica) was designated the official state tree fruit of Alabama in 2006 (the blackberry is the state fruit, adopted in 1949. There are thirty to forty varieties of peaches grown commercially throughout Alabama, harvested from early May to early September.

Peaches belong to the family Rosaceae, a large family of herbs, shrubs, and trees distributed over most of the earth.The peach is believed to have originated in China and was spread by the Romans throughout Europe. Several varieties were brought to North America by the Spanish, where they became naturalized by the late 17th century as far north as Pennsylvania . Numerous varieties of peaches are under cultivation, generally distinguished as clingstone or freestone.

Photo of cut peach by Patrick Tregenza, courtesy USDA Agricultural
Research Service Image Library Fruits & Veggies

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