Peaches are picked earlier in the season,
from mid July to mid September. During the early 20th century, the Elberta peach
was North America's most important and widely planted variety of peach.
In 1870, this hybrid of the Chinese Cling and possibly Early Crawford species
evolved on the farm of a Mr. Rumph in Marshallville, Georgia. He named it "Elberta"
in honour of his wife, Clara Elberta. The American Pomological
Society documented this fruit in 1889.
Firm and resistant to infestation, the hearty Elberta produced a free-stone fruit
that was not only rich and juicy but also strong enough to withstand the rigours of shipping.
No longer cultivated, this popular canning peach has served as a primary source of
rootstock and contributed widely to breeding programs responsible for developing today's popular varieties.
New Georgia Encyclopedia
National Arbor Day Foundation
