Who’s that peach?
Throughout Peach-O-Rama, our favorite growers supply us with a plethora of delicious organic and local peach varieties. So many in fact, that you may find yourself with a few questions while perusing the produce department.
What’s the difference between a Rich Lady and an Elegant Lady? Aren’t O’Henry and Regina people? To help clear things up, we’ve created a guide to understanding the unique characteristics of our peach varieties and their best uses—so you can pick the perfect peach every time.
Heirloom gems
Ultra-juicy, pristinely sweet peaches that have gone unmodified for decades
Suncrest: The legendary Suncrest is one of the most precious peach varieties we carry—they’re an incredibly rare find in grocery stores. Developed in the 1940s in California, they still deliver that comforting, old-fashioned taste. Suncrests are the way to go if you want a tender peach that’s bursting with intense, explosive flavor.
Sierra Rich: Sierra Rich is a beautiful heirloom that ripens early in the season, typically around early to mid-July. They strike a stunning picture with bright red and yellow coloring, and they’re prized for their versatility in the kitchen. The Sierra Rich is excellent fresh out of hand, baked into pies, or transformed into sweet jams or preserves.
For snacking and dessert
Aromatic, drip-down-your-chin peaches bursting with sweetness
Rich Lady: Aptly named, this sweet-tart peach is rich in both color and flavor. Its vibrant red exterior and bright yellow interior make for a beautiful addition to any plate. Rich Lady is extra drippy, so take your time savoring every succulent bite.
Diamond Princess: This Princess is quite the sweetheart! With a candy-like flavor, Diamond Princess is one of the sweetest peaches we carry. It’s indulgently delicious eaten as is or paired with vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
August Lady: This late-season peach is well worth the wait! August Lady is downright gorgeous, with a deep red blush painted over glowing yellow skin. As a freestone variety, the pit separates easily from the flesh—making it an ideal pick for slicing, cooking, or baking.
For grilling
Larger, firm-textured peaches that hold up well to heat
Elegant Lady: This bright red peach is packed with sweet, tangy flavor, which means it’s a great choice for sweet or savory summertime dishes. It’s a hearty variety that stands up to long travels, so no need to worry about bruising on the way home. Unlike softer varieties that are prone to going mushy when cooked, Elegant Lady’s firm texture ensures that it won’t fall apart on the the grill.
O’Henry: These large, dense peaches are one of the best grilling varieties available. It’s sweet with just the right amount of juiciness—not too watery, which makes it perfect for grilling. O’Henry’s robust flavor adds a decadent element to pork, chicken, or salads. You won’t be disappointed by its bold flair!
Summer Lady: Summer Lady is a cross between the Elegant Lady and O’Henry varieties, so it’s practically destined for grilling greatness. Its natural juiciness creates beautiful caramelization, while its balanced sweet and acidic flavors intensify over high heat. Summer Lady makes a lovely companion to pork, chicken, burrata, or prosciutto.
For storing
Firm-fleshed peaches with exceptional flavor that withstands preservation
Zee Lady: Zee Lady is bright, beautiful, and bound to impress. If you’re looking to freeze your peaches for future use in smoothies or baked goods, this is the Lady for you. Its high sugar content delivers sensational flavor that holds up in the freezer—something most other varieties can’t claim. With Zee Lady, get ready to enjoy the taste of summer year-round!
Regina: The quintessential, reliable canning peach. Regina is a medium-sized freestone fruit, which means it’s easy to pit and slice. This smooth-textured peach has excellent flavor that surpasses the test of canning, so you can snack straight from the jar.
Peachy Keen
Peach-O-Rama is the perfect time to explore something new, whether that’s a lamb kabob with grilled peaches or homemade sweet peach ice cream. Now that you know your peaches, you’re all set for culinary success.
Tag us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook with the peach varieties you try—we’d love to see what you make with them!