When it comes to fruits and vegetables, Georgia is best-known for its peaches. Its nickname after all is the Peach State.

But there’s a lot more to Georgia produce than peaches, and Georgia Grown is making sure that everyone knows about all the produce the state has to offer. Georgia Grown is the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s marketing and economic development program, and it’s dedicated to growing the agriculture industry by bringing all types of businesses — growers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, etc., together.

According to Georgia Grown’s latest data, the state’s most produced fruit is not peaches, but blueberries, with more than 18,000 acres producing 39 million-pounds of these delicious and nutritious berries. That’s due to Georgia’s sandy and acidic soil and its short winters, all of which create ideal growing conditions for blueberries.

Watermelon is another key Georgia crop, as it’s known for growing sweet and crispy watermelon, particularly in Central Georgia and along the southern Coastal Plains. Georgia’s watermelons are a big part of summer celebrations throughout the United States. Each year, the Georgia Watermelon Association, selects a Brand Ambassador who is awarded a scholarship and represents the association at events throughout the year.

Cucumbers are another important summer food in the state. More than 10,000 acres of cucumbers were planted in Georgia last year, with a production value of more than $35.2 million dollars, and Georgia cucumbers offer a long growing season, from May to November.

When it comes to apples Georgia may not be top of mind, but according to Georgia Grown’s data, the commercial apple industry actually started in Georgia. In 1838, Jarvis Van Buren, cousin of President Martin Van Buren, moved to Georgia, purchased land, and created the state’s commercial apple industry.

Of course, the fruit Georgia is best-known for is the peach, and there are reasons why people look forward to eating Georgia peaches every summer. Georgia peaches have tremendous flavor, and that’s because of the state’s hot nights and humidity, which allow the peaches to produce sugar all day and all night. Another factor is the Fort Valley plateau, where most Georgia peaches are grown and which has ideal conditions, including steady rain and fewer freezes.

Georgia Grown’s website shares recipes that are the creations of Thomas McKeown, the renowned chef at restaurants in the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, notably Polaris, Sway and Twenty-Two Storys. McKeown is dedicated to supporting Georgia’s growers and promoting the state’s food scene, and his recipes featuring Georgia products include Sapelo Red Pea Patties with Sea Island Marinated Shrimp and Coastal Georgia Remoulade and Milk Braised Pork and Grits with Mustard Greens and BBQ Fried Peanuts. Making these dishes promises opportunities for fun in the kitchen and enjoy the delicious foods Georgia has to offer.

Produce is so important in Georgia that its Department of Agriculture is the oldest state department of agriculture in the country. Established in 1874, the department organizes

several programs that are designed to help growers, and to ensure that people from throughout the country enjoy Georgia’s amazing produce.