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THE STATE OF THE PEACH

8/4/2016

7 Comments

 
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​Maybe you haven’t noticed, but we are in the midst of a peach crisis.
 
There’s been way too much squabbling recently about the color of the peach and the state of the peach or more accurately, the lack of peaches in many states. Farm stands and markets dotting New England, the Hudson Valley, southern New York and parts of New Jersey are feeling the effects of what is known among farmers as the “Valentine’s Day Massacre.” Frigid temps blew into town on the 13th and 14th of February wreaking havoc on fragile peach crops. In light of this news, one would think the retail pie crowd would appreciate whatever bounty comes their way.  One would think.
 
On more than one occasion this week, lattice lovers have called the bakery to inquire about this weekend’s pie forecast. Others wandered in, sorting through each and every windowed pie box in the hopes of securing exactly what they wanted. I wish I knew what that was, but clearly it was not in the box nor on the rack nor in the oven. One individual had to know what else was available and I replied,“White Peach. Blueberry. Key Lime. White Peach with Cornmeal Crumble.” The oven timer signaled for attention as Ms. What Else Is Available watched me don the Stay-Puft-Marshmallow-Man oven mitts. She persisted, “What’s in the oven?” I repeated, “White Peach. Blueberry. Key Lime. White Peach with Cornmeal Crumble.” Is there an echo?
 
Speedy Icer answered the phone yesterday and listened patiently. Would there be peach pies for the weekend? Standing in front of flats of peaches awaiting their fate under the blade of my paring knife, I nodded. “White peach. We have white peaches.” After much discussion it was decided that the pie seeker would take a pass. “I don’t like white peaches,” was the comment. “I have some yellow peaches at home. I’ll bake one myself.” If you insist, Madam.
 
The month of August is quintessential peach consumption month. Believe me, I am crestfallen that my favorite yellow peach, the Red Haven is proving elusive. But that doesn’t mean I don’t show respect for the beauty and subtle flavor of the white peach.
 
White peaches are almost floral in flavor, less brazenly sweet than their yellow counterparts. Eaten out of hand, white peaches are still juicy but slightly more ladylike, a little less madcap. You might say white peaches are orchestral music played beneath a night sky while yellow peaches are jazz hands in front of a mylar curtain. Mother Nature has thrown a curve ball derailing an entire crop. This leaves hard working farmers in the lurch and peach lovers with empty wicker baskets. Maybe we can be a little flexible and appreciate what we have right here, right now, and stop bemoaning what isn’t available?
 
In a perfect pie world, fruit would peel itself and be blemish free. Fruit flies would bypass my ankles and pâte brisée would ease into pie plates all by itself. I wouldn’t have to hear that the double-crusted blueberry pie that had bubbled over was “aesthetically displeasing.”
 
It’s a good thing I’m not overly sensitive. In my line of work it’s beneficial to have a thick skin; more like a yellow peach, less like a white one.

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7 Comments
Betsy link
8/5/2016 08:50:10 am

"Aesthetically displeasing...?' Seriously? I woulda kicked her out on her yoga pant-clad butt!
You ARE a peach my friend.

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Haralee link
8/8/2016 09:55:16 am

In a pie, a peach is a peach? I guess just isn't so. I am so unsophisticated in my pie eating!

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Ellen Dolgen link
8/8/2016 11:12:16 am

I adore peaches.......................this sounds fantastic!

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Ellen Gray link
8/19/2016 10:35:54 pm

Thanks for reading, Haralee and Ellen. Peaches have had a tough summer but they are definitely worth seeking out. We just received an shipment of apples at the bakery. My heart just isn't in it- I'm desperately hanging on to summer for just a bit longer.The fragrance of apple pie seems somewhat out of season...

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Bonnie K. Aldinger link
8/8/2016 12:56:05 pm

Oh goodness, I would take any of your pies very happily! You aren't anywhere near NYC are you? :D

Love the orchestral/jazz hands comparison. I also have a slight preference for yellow peaches but I would never turn my nose up at a white peach if that's what was good and ripe and actually available.

I haven't had a good summer peach yet this summer but a friend tells me she did get some good ones at the Union Square Greenmarket, which was good news to me since I'd been aware of the peach supply problem and didn't have very high hopes for any good peaches this summer.

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Kat Magendie link
8/9/2016 08:04:35 am

I love "appreciate what we have instead of bemoaning what we don't have" - yes! And anything in a pie - that's about it for me - anything in a pie is perfect!

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Ellen Gray link
8/19/2016 10:37:22 pm

Agreed, Kat. Interestingly enough, today someone asked me what was on the pie menu for Thanksgiving! Say it isn't so...

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