The peak of the peach season has reached the Fredericksburg-Stonewall area.

Growers are picking freestone varieties such as Loring, Bounty, Redglobe, Ruston Red, Dixiland, and Redskin, just to name a few. The size of the fruit is improving and the flavor is outstanding this year, they say.

Currently, many roadside peach stands and orchards also have fresh vegetables and melons along with the peaches for sale.

With the dry weather, the peach quality and flavor will be exceptionally good. In addition to peaches and other fruits and vegetables, many orchards also carry a variety of jams, jellies and canned items. And, of course, peach growers are always happy to share their prize-winning recipes for peach cobbler.

The secret of exceptional flavor in a Hill Country peach begins with the region’s unique geography. The combination of cool nights and sunny days, in addition to the coarse, well-drained soils produces an environment that is ideal for peach production.

Many growers are open daily now and able to fill larger volume orders. However, it is always a good idea to check with individual orchards. For more information, see www.texaspeaches.com.