When is peach season in SC, Upstate? Here's what to know about peach types, benefits.

If peaches are your favorite fruit, now is the season to go out and pick em'.

Peach season is underway in South Carolina, and it's no secret the fruit is cherished by many in the state. In fact, the fruit is so popular here that we have our own festival to celebrate them every year. Although the date is to be announced, the SC Peach Festival website states the festival will run sometime in July.

There has also been plenty of debate surrounding which southern state produces the most peaches in the country, with South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas battling it out in the peach war.

It's safe to say the South is a little peach crazy, but it is all in good fun. If you enjoy the fruit and plan on peach picking, here's what to know about the upcoming season.

When is peach season in SC?

S.C.'s peach season runs from the middle of May to the first of September. Consumers can expect ripe peaches to hit farmers markets and store shelves sooner than later as farmers begin picking for the season.

Annually, the state produces 132 million pounds of peaches. Overall, peaches are an $80 million industry in S.C., according to the South Carolina Peach Council. Multiple reports have forecast a strong peach season for S.C. for farmers this time around in comparison to last year's devastating peach crop losses.

What types of peaches are there?

During different times in the season, you can expect to come across three different peach types, according to Discover South Carolina:

∎ Clingstone: The flesh of the peach clings to the pit. Available mid-May to mid-June

∎ Semi-freestone: The hybrid peach clings to the pit, but as the peach ripens, the flesh will be easier to pull away. Available mid-June to mid-July.

∎ Freestone: The peach flesh parts away from the pit. Available late July to mid-August or early September.

What types of peaches are grown in SC?

There are around 40 varieties of peaches grown in S.C. The most common types include the following:

∎ Gold Prince (cling)

∎ Gala (cling)

∎ Blaze Prince (semi-freestone)

∎ Summer Gold (freestone)

∎ Cresthaven (freestone)

∎ Winblo (freestone)

∎ O’Henry (freestone)

∎ Big Red (freestone)

Peaches are packed with health benefits

Peaches not only look and taste good ― they also offer a wide range of health benefits, which is why you should keep them stocked in the fridge to grab on the go during the season.

Here are a few consumer facts as highlighted by the SC Peach Council:

∎ Peaches are packed with vitamin C, which aids in boosting the immune system. Just 1/2 cup of fresh peaches provides 10% of the daily recommended value.

∎ One raw medium size peach provides 6% of your daily vitamin A needs, which may help with achieving healthier skin.

∎ One raw medium size peach contains 2% or more daily value of Vitamins E and K, choline, copper, folate, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

∎ Peaches do not contain saturated fats.

∎ Potassium rich peaches may regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

∎ Fluoride, which helps bone and teeth health, is found in peaches.

∎ Peaches contain iron, which is needed for the formation of red blood cells.

∎ Flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants are responsible for promoting healthy aging and reducing various disease processes. Beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin are a few of the antioxidants found in peaches.

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: When is peach season in South Carolina? Here's what to know.