Department of Agriculture says Pick Perfect Local Peaches in Tennessee; While They Last

Nashville, TN – Turns out, bigger really isn’t always better—at least when it comes to peaches. Tennessee’s peaches may not match their rivals in size this year, but that’s exactly why, at the end of a soggy summer, Tennessee peaches have more flavor packed beneath their fuzzy exteriors.

In many parts of the Deep South this summer, excessive rains have affected famous peach crops in a way that isn’t immediately evident.

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Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Sudden Summer Sizzle Helps State’s Berry Crops Make Up for Lost Time

Nashville, TN – After a long, cool, rain soaked spring, Tennessee’s typical hot and humid summertime weather is here. The sudden shift is helping the state’s crops make up for lost time, which is especially beneficial to the farmers who grow much anticipated local berries, peaches, plums, apples and pears.

Tennessee’s berry crops, formerly in slow motion, have responded to ideal summer conditions by maturing at top speed, according to TDA’s agritourism and farmers market coordinator, Pamela Bartholomew.

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Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Recent Cold Snaps Helped State’s Strawberry Crop

Nashville, TN – Springtime cold snaps make strawberry lovers quake in their boots over the quantity and quality of the crop. Fortunately, Tennessee’s strawberry growers report that, if anything, the weather so far has only benefitted the burgeoning berries.

“All fruits sweeten best in hot, sunny weather,” says Pamela Bartholomew, marketing specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, “but Tennessee’s cool, wet spring has actually prolonged the growing process. The cold has thinned out some strawberries, but that’s actually a good thing, too, since the remaining berries will get a bigger share of their plant’s nourishment. It all adds up to a great crop!”

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