EUTAWVILLE -- Peach season has arrived in The T&D Region, and locals and visitors are flocking to nearby farms to either pick or purchase the sweet, juicy orbs.

Among the local produce operations buzzing with buyers looking for peach perfection is Hinnant Farm on Old Number Six Highway in Eutawville. The business is run by Virginia "Jinx" and Jack Hinnant and their son, Ken Hinnant.

"We have been married for 59 years and have been in the peach business for 35 of them," Jinx Hinnant said.

In addition to 20 varieties of peaches, Hinnant Farm also sells pecans, blueberries and fresh vegetables, such as sweet corn and butter beans.

This year's peach season, Hinnant says, is just peachy, producing a very good crop.

"This is the first year in five years' time that we have lots of peaches," Ken Hinnant said. "It's due to weather conditions."

Peaches are popular not only for their taste but their low calorie count of 37 calories for a medium peach. The fruit is sodium-free and a good source of Vitamin A, potassium and dietary fiber.

The Hinnants offer these tips for keeping peaches at the peak of flavor:

* Select plump, well-shaped peaches with a creamy or golden undertone. The red blush differs with varieties and is not a sign of ripeness.

* Avoid peaches tinged with green because they will not ripen properly.

* At home, store peaches in single layers at room temperature in a loosely closed paper bag or fruit-ripening bowl until they yield to gentle palm pressure.

* Once ripe, use immediately or refrigerate for a few days.

"Never transport peaches in the trunk of a car," Jinx Hinnant warns. "They should be kept cool."

She noted that for recipe calculations, count on three medium peaches to the pound. Peeling peaches is not necessary, she said. However, if peeling is desired, quickly plunge fruit into boiling water for 20 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon and place immediately into cold water. The skin will slip off easily, Hinnant said.

Hinnant Farm is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are also open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. some Sundays, but call first. For more information, call 803-492-3788.

Also in the Lake Marion area, peaches and fresh produce are available at St. Julien Plantation on Old Number Six Highway, Eutawville. For more information, call 803-492-7556.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by phone at 803-854-5009.

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