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You might notice when you buy peaches, plums and nectarines that
they’re not usually under a sign with a variety name, as apples
are. That’s because there are hundreds of varieties of peaches,
plums and nectarines, with each one harvested for about ten
days – too
many signs to make!
That
short period of harvest is why so many varieties are needed.
Peaches, plums and nectarines can’t
be left on the tree or stored for long periods as some other
fruits can. That means that many varieties are needed for
a continuous supply throughout the season.
Fruit
breeders use their expertise to bring you a longer peach,
plum, and nectarine season by growing varieties that produce
early or late. Breeders cross one variety with another, trying
thousands of combinations each year, to develop a tree that
will bear the right piece of juicy, delicious fruit at just
the right time. Bringing a new variety into production – from
the first pollination through testing to harvesting the first
fruit from full-scale orchards – can take up to ten years. |
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Chewy
Peach Bites
This
is the month when sweet treats seem to start showing
up everywhere. Trick the junk food goblins into a nutritious – but
still delicious – treat. These peach bars are
made with vitamin-packed California peaches, along
with fiber-rich whole-grain oats and heart-healthy
walnuts. They’re great to make ahead and freeze
very well. |
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Ingredients |
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1/2 |
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cup butter |
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1/2 |
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cup brown sugar (packed) |
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1/2 |
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teaspoon vanilla extract |
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1 |
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egg yolk |
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1 |
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cup flour |
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| 1/4 |
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teaspoon baking soda |
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| 3/4 |
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teaspoon cinnamon |
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| 1/4 |
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teaspoon ground ginger |
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| 1/2 |
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cup rolled oats |
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| 1 |
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large fresh California peach, chopped |
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| 1/4 |
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cup walnuts, chopped |
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Cream Cheese Frosting |
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Cream
Cheese Frosting |
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| 6 |
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ounces cream cheese (2 3-ounce packages) |
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| 2 |
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tablespoons butter, softened |
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| 1 |
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cup powdered sugar |
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| 1/2 |
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teaspoon vanilla extract |
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Preparation
Cream
butter with sugar. Beat in vanilla extract and egg
yolk. Combine flour, soda, cinnamon and ginger and
then mix in until smooth. Stir in oats, peaches and
walnuts. Spread evenly into greased 13x9-inch pan.
Bake in 350° F oven for 25 minutes or until golden.
Cool. Spread with cream cheese frosting. Cut into
small squares to serve.
Cream
Cheese Frosting:
Beat cream cheese with softened butter until blended.
Beat in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
extract until smooth.
Makes
4 dozen squares, about 1-1/2 inches each. |
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This
is the last month this year there will be fresh California
peaches, plums and nectarines available in stores, (enjoy
them while you can!) but our growers will still be busy.
They’ll be evaluating the season, starting their
fall chores, and even taking vacations – they’ve
been working very hard since April. We’ll keep bringing
you Freshipes – don’t forget to freeze
a little fruit for upcoming recipes!
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