Thriving Peach Crop in South Carolina’s Heated Summer

Peach Season Peaks Despite Heatwave

Trenton, South Carolina is witnessing an unusually hot summer this year. The soaring temperatures might be uncomfortable for the human residents of the area, but there is one segment of the population that is blooming with delight in this swelter – the peach crops. Sara’s Fresh Market, a popular local peach farm, reports that the peach season is at its peak, with trees heavy with succulent, sun-ripened peaches.

The vibrant peach season marks a sweet turn of events. A late freeze in 2023 took away 70% of Titan Farms’ peaches, the leading producers in the region. Consequently, a shortage was felt across peach stalls with hardly any stock left for selling. “There was just no one that had peaches. Peaches were gone,” reports Karisa Ruth, Director of Retail Sales and Community Engagement at Sara’s Fresh Market.

Recovery Amidst Heatwave

How did the peach crop manage to bounce back so rapidly amidst the challenging weather conditions? The answer lies in the heat! Contrary to the inconvenience it causes us, peaches relish the heat and need a hot climate to ripen. And this year, the heat is plentiful. “This year we have a full crop, We have a bountiful crop. They’re good and sweet,” says Ruth.

The market’s customer base is reviving as the peach stock replenishes. “Well, let’s just put it this way, I’ve had to move all my employee parking to another parking lot because our customers are coming out in droves,” Ruth added.

Customer Interest Peaks with Peach Season

The community has been supportive of local business as loyal customers help Sara’s Market rebound. Sara’s hopes the flow of customers won’t dwindle post the peach season, as it has a series of community-engaging events lined up. September 19 marks a special day on the calendar as ‘Sara’s Farm Adventure’ will have its grand opening. Visitors can look forward to a day packed with activities like pumpkin picking, strolling through a sunflower field and getting lost in a corn maze. “It’s just a great little place on the side of the road, that is a little piece of heaven,” summarizes Ruth.

Despite heat being the No.1 weather-related killer in the United States each year, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it appears this year’s South Carolina heat has ushered in a prosperous peach season. However, as the community rejoices in the bountiful crop, it is essential to remember to stay safe and prepared for the summer heat.