Hey, I’m Desmond Layne, Peach Specialist at Clemson University. Welcome to the Clemson Tiger Peach Network.
Today is July 14, 2011 and we’re in our second season of “Everything About Peaches”. Our series this summer is called “Peach Picks for South Carolina”. Every week throughout the entire growing season we’re picking those very best cultivars that will do extremely well here in “The Tastier Peach” state.
Last time, we featured White Lady. White Lady is subacid, white-fleshed peach that has a mellow, sweet flavor. Today, we are looking at a traditional, yellow-fleshed, Southern peach called Winblo. Winblo was developed by North Carolina State University and it was released to the public in 1972. Because it is a public release, it’s freely available to propagate. Winblo has melting-flesh and it’s also a freestone.
In our Clemson University research trials over the last several years, the performance of Winblo has been phenomenal. Winblo typically averages between 2 ¾ to 3 inches in diameter. It has a very nice, uniform, round shape. And its’ got that awesome peach smell! It has a nice, yellow background color and red overcolor that sort of blend together to give it that beautiful peach color that is unique to Winblo. When you cut through the skin into the flesh you can see that its’ got beautiful, yellow flesh. There is hardly any red pigmentation in the flesh and the flesh does not brown so it is very well-suited for canning or for freezing.
Last week, White Lady, presented us with a mellow flavor — not tangy at all – but it was delicious. Let’s see how Winblo tastes! … I’ve found it!! I’ve found it!! This is paradise! Winblo is like the “perfect” peach! Sweet, juicy, it melts in your mouth! Creamy texture! Awesome peach smell! What more could you ask for — except another one?!
You know, some people are tempted to freeze or can these so that they can enjoy them all winter long. However, they are so good, they typically get eaten before they can be put in the freezer or in the can. So, I guess you can simply just buy twice as many when you go to the market!
Why don’t you join us next week when we’ll feature another “Peach Pick for South Carolina”? You know, you can tell I’m a peach specialist by the stains on my shirt. It’s a rough job, but somebody’s got to do it!
