10/21/05 Idaho peaches

Dr. Essie Fallahi of the University of Idaho's Parma Research Station is noted for his attempts to grow different, and sometimes unique, tree fruits and grapes, all in the effort to create markets for these commodities. Whether it is a potential mass market for table grapes, or niche markets for various peach varieties, Fallahi believes all such product can provide a significant benefit to the Idaho ag economy. One of his prize projects is his orchard block of peaches and plums, taken care of by both Fallahi and his wife Bahar. FALLAHI: We have a block of seventy-two varieties of peaches and plums and they are replicated seven times. And according to Fallahi, this block has produced some potential money makers for the Idaho peach industry. FALLAHI: She takes samples from mid-July all the way to the middle of October. The purpose of this block is for our growers to fill the market. So for example, Fallahi points out Mason and Crimson Red have become very good early varieties for growers. Another favorite is All-Star which can grow to as much as one pound per peach. But the real attention grabber may be the white fleshed varieties of peaches. For example, Snow Mist has become a recognizable product for its size and taste. And Jupiter and Saturn are two white fleshed peaches known for their flat shape. But there must be something about the white fleshed peaches from an economic standpoint. Eighty per cent of all Idaho peaches sold to Taiwan are white fleshed varieties.