Peach Cultivation In New Brunswick

Fruit cultivation is an important part of Canada's food industry, and while it is usually restricted to areas where winter temperatures do not fall much below -20°C, some fruits are grown in New Brunswick. These include apples, blueberries, and strawberries. However, peach cultivation is marginal in New Brunswick due to the severe winter temperatures, which often dip to -24°C and can reach as low as -34°C. Therefore, it can be concluded that peaches do not grow in New Brunswick to a significant extent, if at all.

What is the growing season in New Brunswick?

The growing season in New Brunswick is short but sweet. The best time of year for planting most vegetables is between mid-May and late June. This is when the soil temperature has risen enough for seeds and plants to be put into the ground with the best chances of success. The growing season generally lasts about 125 days between May and September. In Moncton, the frost-free growing season starts on May 24 and ends on September 27, totalling 126 days.

Springtime is generally considered the ideal time for planting in New Brunswick, but summer and fall can also be successful seasons for growing many types of vegetables. In late July and August, vegetable transplants can often be found at farmers' markets or nurseries. In September and October, there are plenty of cool-weather crops that can be planted with good results.

New Brunswick has a temperate climate and moderate weather, which makes it easier to plan out your planting season. The province experiences a continental climate, with freezing, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. It also experiences plenty of rainfall throughout the year, with some level of precipitation even in the driest months.

What are the warmest and coldest temperatures in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick has a warm and temperate climate, with an average daily high temperature of 11 °C. The warmest month is July, with an average high of 86 °F and a low of 67 °F. The temperature in July can go as high as 99 °F. The hot season in New Brunswick lasts for 3.5 months, from May 30 to September 16, with an average daily high temperature above 77 °F.

The coldest month is January, with an average low of 26 °F and a high of 40 °F. The temperature in January can drop to as low as 0.8 °C or 30.6 °F. The cold season lasts for about 3.3 months, from December 1 to March 9, with an average daily high temperature below 49 °F.

New Brunswick's climate is comparable to Central European weather conditions. The region experiences a notable amount of precipitation throughout the year, even during its most arid months. The driest month is November, with 75 mm or 3.0 inches of precipitation. The wettest month is July, with an average of 110 mm or 4.3 inches of rainfall.

The best time to visit New Brunswick for warm-weather activities is from mid-July to late September.

What types of peaches are grown in Canada?

Peaches are the most widely-grown stone fruit in the world. Native to China, they have been harvested in Canada since the 1780s. In Canada, peach trees are short-lived, with a lifespan of 10-20 years, and they bear fruit after 2-3 years. They are also the least cold-hardy of stone fruits and will die in temperatures below -23°C. Due to this, Canadian peach orchards are limited to Ontario, where over 80% of Canadian peaches are grown, and British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, where 18% are grown. Less than 1% of production occurs in Nova Scotia.

Peaches thrive in areas with high summer temperatures and are grown in temperate zones worldwide. In Canada, the peach season runs from July to September, with growers planting 12 or more varieties that ripen at different times.

There are three main types of peaches grown in Canada, categorised by how the flesh clings to the pit:

Clingstone peaches have flesh that clings firmly to the pit. They are softer, juicier, and sweeter than other varieties, making them ideal for canning, jellies, and jams. Clingstone peaches are available from May to August.

Freestone peaches have flesh that easily separates from the pit, making them perfect for eating fresh. They are available from mid-August to the end of September.

Semi-freestone peaches are a combination of freestone and clingstone varieties, with flesh that partially clings to the pit. They are suitable for eating, canning, or baking and are available from mid-July to August.

When selecting peaches, it is important to choose firm, blemish-free fruit with a sweet smell and creamy or yellow background. Avoid greenish fruit and wrinkled skins. The blush on the peach indicates the variety, not its ripeness. Ripe peaches will yield to slight pressure and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

What other fruits are grown in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick has a short but sweet growing season, with crop availability varying depending on the weather. The province is mostly considered Hardiness Zone 5, with some areas falling into zones 3 and 4. This means that some fruits that thrive in warmer climates can struggle in New Brunswick, but there are still plenty of fruits that can be grown successfully.

Blueberries are a particularly prominent crop in New Brunswick, with the area of land dedicated to their growth increasing by over 50% from 2011 to 2016. They are typically in season during late July through August.

Other fruits that are grown in New Brunswick include apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, nectarines, and various berries such as strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries. Grapes are also grown in the province, with the industry expanding from 15 to almost 100 acres in the last decade.

Some fruits that are less commonly grown in New Brunswick but can still thrive in the climate include figs, lemons, and mulberries.

How are peaches preserved in Canada?

Peaches are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways, but how do you preserve them in Canada? There are several methods to ensure you can enjoy this tasty treat all year round. Firstly, it is important to select good-quality peaches. Look for fragrant, firm, blemish-free fruit with a creamy or yellow background. Avoid green fruit and wrinkled skins. The blush on a peach indicates its variety, not its ripeness. A ripe peach will feel heavy and dense for its size.

Now, let's look at the different preservation methods:

Canning

Canning is a popular method of preserving peaches. It involves sterilising glass jars and preparing the peaches by cutting an "x" pattern on the bottom of the fruit along the skin. The peaches are then blanched in boiling water for 30 seconds before being cooled in ice water. After this process, the skin will peel off easily. The peaches are then pitted, sliced, and placed in an anti-browning solution of cold water and lemon juice. The next step is to prepare a simple syrup of water and sugar, cooking it until the sugar dissolves. Place the peach slices into the syrup and bring to a boil before turning off the heat. Pack the peaches tightly into the glass jars, pour in the syrup to cover, and seal the jars tightly. Finally, process the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 20 minutes. Properly canned peaches can last for up to 12 months if stored in a dry and cold area.

Freezing

Freezing is another option for preserving peaches. Ripe peaches can be peeled, sliced, and frozen in a single layer on a cookie sheet before being transferred to a sealed container or freezer bag. Frozen peaches can be stored for up to six months and are perfect for adding to oatmeal, yogurt, compotes, baking, and smoothies.

Dipping in an Ascorbic Acid Solution

To prevent sliced peaches from browning, they can be tossed lightly in lemon juice or dipped in an ascorbic acid solution before being frozen.

Dehydrating

While not mentioned specifically in relation to peaches, dehydration is mentioned as a common preservation method.

Pickling

Pickling is also mentioned as a common preservation method, although it is not elaborated on in relation to peaches.

In conclusion, there are several effective ways to preserve peaches in Canada, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious fruit all year round.

Frequently asked questions