Red Haven Peaches
Red Haven Peaches
Overview
Overview: Red Haven Peaches are a very popular, semi-free stone peach generally ready for picking in late July. The tasty balance of sweetness and tartness make it an excellent peach for fresh eating as well as baking, canning and preserving. They are named for their beautiful vibrant red blush over a yellow skin. The juicy, aromatic flesh is yellow and firm.
History and Origin
The Red Haven peach variety was first introduced in 1940 by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Developed by horticulturist Stanley Johnston, the variety was a cross between the Elberta peach and another early-season variety. The result was a peach that combined the best features of both parent varieties: great flavor, a firm texture, and an attractive appearance.
Key Characteristics
- Flavor: Red Haven peaches are known for their delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. The flesh is juicy, aromatic, and perfectly suited for eating fresh, baking, canning, or making preserves.
- Appearance: These peaches have a beautiful, vibrant red blush that contrasts beautifully with their golden-yellow skin. The flesh inside is yellow and firm, offering a pleasing texture.
- Size and Shape: Red Haven peaches are medium to large in size, with a round, slightly flattened shape. The fruit is symmetrical, with a smooth skin that makes them easy to handle and transport.
- Skin and Flesh: The skin of the Red Haven is slightly fuzzy and easy to peel when ripe. The flesh is firm, making it a great variety for canning or freezing, as it maintains its texture well after preservation.
- Harvest Time: Red Haven peaches are an early-season variety, typically ready for harvest in late July. They are ready for harvest when they turn a rich golden-yellow color with a bright red blush. The fruit should yield slightly to pressure when gently squeezed.
Once harvested, Red Haven peaches should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a refrigerator, to extend their freshness. These peaches also freeze well, making them an excellent choice for long-term storage.
Uses
Fresh Eating
Red Haven peaches are perfect for snacking straight off the tree. Their sweet, tangy flavor and juicy texture make them a favorite for families and markets alike.
Baking
The firm flesh and balanced flavor of Red Haven peaches make them a go-to choice for pies, cobblers, crisps, and tarts. They hold their shape well when baked, offering a beautiful texture to desserts.
Preserving
Red Haven peaches are ideal for canning, freezing, and making homemade jams and jellies. Their firm texture allows them to maintain quality during preservation, ensuring you can enjoy the fruit year-round.
Cooking
Their versatility extends to savory dishes as well. Red Haven peaches can be used in salsas, chutneys, and glazes for meats like pork or chicken.