Community Corner

August 24: National Peach Pie Day!

Everything you ever needed to know about Prunus Persica (Peach)!

1. In honor ofNational Peach Pie Day, we are delighted to present this recipe for delicious peach pie. Perfect for a sunny, summer day.

Peach Pie Recipe

Makes one to two crusts.
4 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1¾ cups shortening
½ cup ice water
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 egg

Directions
  1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt together.
  2. Add shortening and mix until crumbly.
  3. Beat together ice water, vinegar, and egg and cut into mix.
  4. Divide into four balls.
  5. Wrap and refrigerate for a half-hour before rolling out.

Pie Ingredients
5 pounds peaches
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Peel and slice peaches.
  3. Pour into a bowl and mix in lemon juice and almond extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients, and add to peach mixture.
  5. Pour into crust and dot with butter.
  6. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.

2. Though some of the best peaches in the world are grown here in the United States, the fruit was not indigenous to North America. Scientists believe they originated in China and were brought to Europe via trade routes prior to Christian times. California is the largest producer of peaches in the country, though the more famous ones come from Georgia and other Southern states. Horticulturist George Minifie is credited with bringing the first peaches to North America in the 17th century. Source,wikipedia.

3. Clemson University has mapped thePeach Genome!  Researchers at the University set out to use the peach tree as the model for identifying genes important to all kinds of deciduous trees.

The peach is related genetically not only to fruit trees such as apples and plums, but also to strawberries and raspberries. Scientists believe many of these fruits shared common ancestors, and this genomic research could shed light on the relationships.

The research also has commercial value for agriculture. Peach growing is a $40 million dollar industry in South Carolina alone.

4.Wednesday promises to be sunny, with a high near 80, according to the National Weather Service. Wednesday Night's forecast calls for patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 63.

5. Sign up for the daily andweekly newsletter and breaking news alerts on the Enfield Patch home page, and check out the Enfield Patch Facebook page. The Facebook "like" button is conveniently located at the top of each story; give us your thumbs up. We're closing in on 500 "likes."