If you’ve never been to a 4-H fair, the Gloucester County version, which runs from July 23 to July 26 in Mullica Hill, is a good one to check out—especially because it’s tied into the New Jersey Peach Festival. Even if dairy farmers, horse shows, or crowning of the “Peach Queen” aren’t your thing, who doesn’t love a tree-ripened peach?
New Jersey farmers grow about 40 types of peaches. At last year’s event, I tasted so many peaches that my arms were sticky with peach juice. My favorite was the donut peach, which looks like a donut with a peach pit in the middle (but without all that fat).
Peaches started a little early this year—I picked up a bushel of yellow flesh Jersey peaches on July 4—but the season typically extends deep into September. The New Jersey Peach Promotion Council has this handy calendar to show you what’s in season when.
If you like wine, take a side-trip from the fair to Heritage Vineyards, also in Mullica Hill. They have a crisp sweet wine with a hint of peach flavor that’s perfect for summer parties (best when served with a few fresh peach slices and raspberries in the glass).
Or if you’d rather have the pros prepare your peaches, a state-wide “Peach Party” is taking place throughout New Jersey in August. Nineteen restaurants from West Paterson to Toms River will be offering special peach-themed menus. For a list of participants, click here.