It's August and things are just peachy. Actually it's National Peach Month wherein we celebrate the culinary contributions of one of nature's most enjoyable summer treats. Peach pie, peach cobbler, peach tarts, peach jam... the possibilities go on and on. And really, nothing compares with the sensual joy of just biting into a fresh peach!
Our Kansas forebears understood the value of peaches and in 1899 the Kansas State Horticultural Society published a 159 page guide to the peach and its place in Kansas agriculture. The book includes graphics, statistics and serves as a guide to growing peach trees. It also contains a warning of the "unethical" use of peaches!
"None too good for Kansas palates, but too good to be made into brandy!"
You can view this book online at the State Library of Kansas' KGI Online Library. Just stroll into the virtual library, pass through the colonnade to the outdoor courtyard and you'll find it on a comfortable bench under... of course... a virtual peach tree.
Happy National Peach Month!
THE PEACH
The Kansas Peach : The Luscious, Melting, Juicy Mass of Angel Food
[1899]
(The title alone is a treat!)
[The KGI Online Library is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Kansas]