Peaches and summertime are a perfect pair. The fuzzy, sun-kissed fruit is loved for its sweet, juicy bite and bright, floral aroma. For many, sinking your teeth into a ripe peach over the sink or out in front of you while the sweet, tangy juice drips down your hands is a quintessential summer experience. And peaches taste even better when they’re grown in Mississippi.
Mississippi peach farms are typically family-owned operations scattered across the state, growing fresh, tree-ripened fruit available from mid-May through August. Because crops are highly weather-dependent, it is recommended to call ahead or check the farm’s website before visiting.
For over a decade, Banks Peach Farm, an orchard in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, was operated by the original founders, the Banks family, and grew into a major local staple with thousands of trees. The orchard changed ownership this past season and was renamed TSM Farms. It is now owned and operated by the Miller and Kane families,who are working to preserve the orchard’s legacy. The 32-acre property boasts roughly 3,000 to 4,000 active peach trees.
“This wasn’t ever on our bingo card,” shared Lauren Kane. “My dad bought the property from the Bank’s family, and pitched the idea of managing the trees to us, because he is unable to do it. Our husbands thought it would be a fun idea, so here we are figuring it all out one day at a time.”
Once the Miller and Kane family made the decision to move forward with the peach orchard in October of 2025, they had to hit the ground running to prep the trees for the winter. Taking over the peach farm has been a family effort from the start.
“Our children and extended families learned to prune peach trees overnight,” shared Kane. “And we got educated on wintertime bugs and what sprays to use and everything that needed to be done before a freeze.”
“Mr. Banks and his family have been over-the-top helpful with everything,” shared Shelly Miller. “They have come out, checked on trees for us, and answered every question we have had.”
“Working so hard, our kids working so hard, and seeing what God does and the way things grow, it just really makes you take a step back and be like, wow, this is real. Like this is really happening,” shared Miller.
TSM Farms is officially open for business, selling out their first Saturday, but looking to keep the peaches coming as the trees continue to produce. You can follow their Facebook page for an address and pickup times.
Pick up a bushel of locally grown peaches at your local farm or farmer’s market and put these Peachy Gouda and Ham Skewers, inspired by the Dairy Alliance, on your weekend menu.
This easy no-cook appetizer features fresh Mississippi peaches, ham, and wedges of mellow Gouda cheese. You can substitute any mild-flavored semi-soft or hard cheese, such as Edam, Havarti, or mozzarella, for the Gouda, and if fresh peaches are not in season, you can use plums, apricots, or pickled peaches. The balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy flavor to the peaches and cheese, but the skewers are great with or without the drizzle.
Ingredients:
4 medium peaches, sliced
12 thin slices of favorite deli ham
1 (7-ounce) round Gouda cheese
48 fresh basil leaves (get this at your local farmer’s market, too!)
24 (4-inch) wooden skewers
1⁄4 cup balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
Cut ham slices into 24 (1-inch-wide) strips, or into a minimum of equally sized strips.
Remove the paraffin coating from the cheese and cut it into 12 wedges.
Thread one peach slice, one basil leaf, one ham slice, one cheese wedge, a second basil leaf, a second ham slice, and a second peach slice onto each skewer.
Repeat with the remaining skewers.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving, if desired.
