REDHAVEN

About the Variety: Redhaven is a classic American peach developed in Michigan and released in 1940. For decades, it was the standard by which all other peaches were judged - the most widely planted peach in North America. While newer varieties have been developed, Redhaven remains popular for its reliability, excellent flavor, and historical significance. It represents mid-20th century fruit breeding success and remains relevant 80+ years later. Many people have childhood memories of Redhaven peaches.

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Fruit Description: Medium-sized freestone peaches with bright red skin over yellow background. Flesh is firm yellow with red streaking near the pit. Flavor is classic sweet peach with good acid balance - the taste many people consider "perfect peach flavor." Texture is smooth and juicy. The combination of beauty, flavor, and reliability made Redhaven the gold standard for generations.

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Harvest Window for Cincinnati/Southern Ohio: Mid to Late July (typically July 20 - August 5)

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Ripeness Indicators:

• Background color fully yellow (no green)

• Red blush covers most of fruit

• Fruit softens and yields to gentle pressure

• Strong, sweet peach aroma

• Separates easily from tree

• Harvest in multiple passes over 7-10 days

• Use within 2-3 days of perfect ripeness

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Disease Resistance:

• Nematode resistant on BY520-9 rootstock

• Moderate susceptibility to bacterial spot and brown rot

• Generally healthy with attention

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Best Uses:

• Fresh eating: Exceptional for eating fresh - this is the flavor many people remember from childhood

• Freezing: Excellent for freezing

• Canning: Very good for canning

• All-purpose: Suitable for all peach uses

• Brief storage: Must be used quickly at peak ripeness

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How to Share This Fruit: Redhaven's mid-summer timing and nostalgic appeal make it perfect for heritage and memory-focused events. Organize "tastes of summer past" programs where older community members share memories of childhood peach experiences. The classic flavor makes Redhaven ideal for intergenerational harvest events - grandparents, parents, and children picking together while sharing stories. Consider photo opportunity events in late July - the bright red fruits are visually stunning and create beautiful harvest images. Perfect for comparison tastings with newer varieties to show how flavors have (or haven't) evolved over 80 years. The early timing means Redhaven often coincides with summer vacation - great for family-focused events when kids are out of school. Organize "peach day" intensive harvests with immediate on-site processing into freezer bags for families to take home. The historical significance makes Redhaven excellent for agricultural history education - discuss how one variety can shape an entire industry. Because Redhaven is widely known, use it for outreach to draw people who will then discover other, less familiar varieties.