When Do Elberta Peaches Ripen?

Find out when Elberta peaches are in season so that you don't miss out on this popular, classic yellow peach. Also learn about the Lemon Elberta peach that is popular out west in states like Utah.

When do Elberta peaches ripen? The peaches ripen right around the end of July in southern states (such as Georgia, Texas, and the Carolinas) and California. In mid-late August, they ripen in states like Utah, Michigan, and Oregon. In early September, you can find them in Washington, Idaho, and Colorado.

Recently I was checking out the table of one of my favorite vendors at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market. I have bought several varieties of heirloom apples from her. But on this day she had a peach variety that I have heard about, but never had the chance to try. She recently planted some Elberta peach trees. This was the first year they were purposing fruit, so the peaches themselves were a bit on the small side.

Jump to:

• 🍑 What are Elberta Peaches?
• 📜 History
• 📅 When Do They Ripen?
• ⭐ Review
• 🍋 Lemon Elberta
• 🛒 Where to Buy
• Learn from the Traveling Peach Connoisseur

🍑 What are Elberta Peaches?

Elberta peaches are among the most popular in the United States. They have a beautiful color, are freestone, hardy, disease resistant, and the trees grow quickly.

So if they are so popular how come I have never seen them before. I think it is where Elbertas are popular elsewhere, in Michigan, Red Haven reigns as the most popular peach variety, shutting out the Elberta.

📜 History

The Elberta peach has been around since the 1870s! It was developed by Samuel H. Rumph. The peach was named after his wife. It may have been the first peach to be shipped a great distance (from Georgia to New York). Samuel discovered the peach held up well when shipped.

This peach is what really made Georgia into a peach state. It also had a hand in establishing the commercial fruit industry in the United States. So you have Samuel to thank for any fruit that you buy that is from outside your region.

📅 When Do They Ripen?

Wondering when Elberta peaches ripen in your state? Check the table below. If your state is missing, leave a comment in the comments section at the bottom of the post and I will try to get more info to you.

Georgia	late July
Utah	late August
Oregon	mid August
Idaho	early September
California	mid-late July
Colorado	early September
Michigan	md-late August
Texas	late July
Washington	early September

⭐ Review

Here is what I think of this peach variety on a scale of 1-10.

Acidity	8
Peach Flavor	8
Sweetness	5
Juiciness	8

This peach has a wonderful flavor. I also found it to be quite juicy and on the acidic side. These peaches would be great canned or uses in a pie or any other baking application. There is a reason why this peach has been around for well over 100 years.

🍋 Lemon Elberta

If you are in Utah during peach season you won't miss hearing about the Lemon Elberta peach. The peach has a lot of yellow on it's skin with hardly any red. Some peaches might be almost 100% yellow. They are known for being an excellent canning peach because of their large size, texture, and flavor.

They are favored in colder states because of their frost resistance, more so than standard Elberta. Sometimes you will see them called Improved Elberta or Gleason Early. The fruit on these trees does ripen a little bit earlier.

I first got them from McMullin Orchards in Payson, Utah.

🛒 Where to Buy

Here is a list of some orchards where you can find Elberta peaches. Some you may be able to pick yourself even.

• Lakeside Peach Orchard (Monroe, NC)
• Capitol Reef National Park Krueger Orchard (Torrey, UT)
• Pilgrim Orchards (Aurora, OR)
• Gem Orchards (Emmett, ID)
• Athena Farms (Atlanta, GA)
• Masumoto Family Farm (Fowler, CA)
• Verhey's Peaches (Royal City, WA)

Where is the best place to buy a good peach? Click here to read my article on shopping for peaches.