There’s something magical about a peach. With its velvety skin, fragrant sweetness, and the perfect balance of tartness and juice, it feels like summer wrapped in a fruit. Whether eaten fresh on a hot afternoon, baked into a pie that fills the kitchen with warmth, or preserved into jam that brightens up winter mornings, peaches carry with them a sense of nostalgia and abundance.
But here’s a scenario many people encounter: you’re at a farmers’ market or an orchard, and the vendor is selling peaches by the bushel. The basket looks enormous, and you wonder, how much fruit is actually in there? How heavy is a bushel of peaches?
This isn’t just curiosity. The answer matters for anyone planning to cook, can, juice, or even resell peaches. Knowing the weight of a bushel helps with cost planning, recipe preparation, and even storage logistics. In this guide, we’ll explore the history and meaning of a bushel, the standard weight of peaches, price ranges, calorie counts, and more. We’ll also look at fun facts and practical uses that make owning a bushel of peaches both exciting and, frankly, a little challenging if you don’t know what to expect.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a complete picture of what a bushel of peaches really represents.
What Is a Bushel of Peaches?
A bushel is an old agricultural measurement that dates back centuries. Originally, it was never about weight—it was about volume. The bushel was defined as 8 dry gallons, or roughly 35.2 liters, which is close to one cubic foot of space. Farmers and traders used bushels to standardize sales of grains, fruits, and other goods, ensuring fairness when exact weights were harder to measure.
When applied to peaches, the bushel still reflects this historical root. Imagine a large, rounded container that can hold about one cubic foot of peaches—that’s the “bushel.” But since peaches vary in size and juiciness, the produce industry needed more consistency. Over time, the bushel became tied to a standardized weight to make trade easier.
In practice, a bushel of peaches typically contains 60 to 70 medium-sized peaches. These are often stored in large wooden baskets, woven crates, or sturdy cardboard boxes. At orchards, a bushel is the go-to quantity for families who plan to can or freeze peaches, ensuring they have enough to last the season.
Related terms make the system more flexible:
- Peck: One-quarter of a bushel, around 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Handy for smaller households.
- Half-bushel: About 24–25 pounds (11–11.3 kg), often seen at roadside stands.
- Bushel box: A commercial crate that holds the equivalent of a bushel, designed for shipping.
So, when you hear “bushel of peaches,” picture not just a measurement, but a time-tested way of buying fruit in bulk.
How Much Does a Bushel of Peaches Weigh?
The exact weight of a bushel can vary depending on who you ask, but the generally accepted standard is:
- 48 pounds (21.7 kg) for a typical bushel of peaches.
- Some markets round this up to 50 pounds (22.6 kg).
- Smaller regional “bushels” might weigh closer to 40 pounds (18.1 kg).
Why the variation? Peaches are not identical. Their water content, size, and how tightly they’re packed can all affect the total. For example, a bushel of large, loosely arranged peaches may weigh less than one with smaller peaches packed tightly. Similarly, very ripe peaches—heavy with juice—may tip the scales a bit more than firm, underripe ones.
In general, expect a bushel to weigh between 40 and 50 pounds (18–22 kg). This range has become the standard benchmark in both wholesale and retail produce trade.
Detailed Comparison Table
Here’s a practical look at how different types of bushels compare.
| Region / Market | Average Weight (lb / kg) | Typical Price (USD) | Peach Count (approx.) | Common Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard U.S. Bushel | 48 lb / 21.7 kg | $55–$65 | 60–70 | Canning, fresh eating | Most widely accepted “standard weight” |
| Premium Farm Bushel | 50 lb / 22.6 kg | $60–$75 | 65–75 | Juicing, preserves | Often orchard-direct, fresher fruit |
| Regional Small Bushel | 40 lb / 18.1 kg | $65–$70 | 50–60 | Baking, smaller families | Heavier per pound price due to smaller total weight |
| Half Bushel | 24–25 lb / 11–11.3 kg | $25–$35 | 30–35 | Light canning, fresh use | Common at roadside stands |
| Commercial Bulk Box | 48–50 lb / 21–22.6 kg | $50–$60 wholesale | 65–75 | Restaurants, juice shops | Designed for shipping efficiency |
This table shows how both weight and price are linked to purpose. Wholesale boxes are cheaper per pound but sold in bulk, while smaller regional bushels might actually cost more because of local demand and smaller yields.
Basics of a Bushel of Peaches Weight
It’s important to note that a bushel’s weight isn’t arbitrary. Agricultural standards exist to make trade fair. When you buy a bushel, you can expect it to weigh almost the same whether it comes in a wooden basket, a crate, or a cardboard shipping box.
That said, natural variation in fruit means no two bushels are identical. A basket filled with very large peaches may hold fewer individual fruits but still hit the target weight. Conversely, a bushel of smaller peaches might contain 70 or more but weigh roughly the same.
This standardization ensures that when you buy “a bushel,” you’re getting what you paid for, not just a container filled with varying amounts of fruit.
Factors Influencing a Bushel’s Weight
When people hear that a bushel of peaches weighs around 48 to 50 pounds, they might assume every basket will always hit that number exactly. In reality, there are many subtle (and sometimes surprising) reasons why the weight can fluctuate within the 40–50 pound range. These factors range from natural characteristics of the fruit itself to human handling and storage practices. Let’s break them down in detail.
1. Peach Size
One of the most obvious influences is the size of the peaches themselves.
- Large Peaches: Bigger peaches take up more space inside the container. Since a bushel is a fixed volume (about one cubic foot), fewer large peaches will fit inside. While each fruit may be heavier, the overall count goes down. The end result is that a bushel of very large peaches may weigh slightly less than expected because more “air gaps” exist between the fruits.
- Small Peaches: Smaller peaches, on the other hand, are more compact. Dozens can fit snugly together, filling the spaces more efficiently. Even though each individual peach is lighter, the combined weight adds up to meet or even slightly exceed the average bushel weight.
This explains why a bushel can contain anywhere from 50 to 70 peaches depending on their size.
2. Variety
Not all peaches are created equal. The specific variety plays a major role in weight.
- Freestone Peaches: These are usually larger, with pits that separate easily from the flesh. Their generous size and thicker skin can make a bushel feel lighter in terms of peach count, though the total weight may stay close to the standard.
- Clingstone Peaches: Smaller and often juicier, clingstones stick tightly to the pit. Because they are denser and more numerous, a bushel of clingstones may weigh a bit more than one filled with freestones.
- White vs. Yellow Flesh: White-flesh peaches sometimes hold slightly less juice, while yellow-flesh varieties tend to be very succulent. This subtle difference in juice content can influence the final weight of the bushel.
3. Ripeness
The stage of ripeness significantly impacts peach weight.
- Fully Ripe Peaches: When harvested at peak ripeness, peaches are heavy with juice. They feel plump in the hand and contribute more weight to the bushel.
- Underripe Peaches: Picked early for shipping or storage, these peaches are firmer and often lighter. They still contain plenty of water but haven’t fully developed their juiciness.
- Overripe Peaches: Left too long on the tree or in storage, peaches begin to lose moisture. They soften, shrivel slightly, and gradually weigh less. A bushel of overripe peaches might register a few pounds lighter than a freshly picked one.
4. Moisture Content
Peaches are roughly 89% water, which means growing conditions play a big role in their weight.
- Rainfall & Irrigation: A season with ample rainfall or careful irrigation produces juicier, heavier peaches. Farmers often notice that peaches harvested after a good soaking rain feel noticeably plumper.
- Dry Conditions: In contrast, peaches grown in drought conditions may be smaller and denser. While still sweet and flavorful, they simply don’t weigh as much because of reduced water content.
- Regional Differences: Orchards in humid climates might see heavier peaches than those grown in arid regions, even when the fruit looks similar in size.
5. Packing Method
How peaches are packed into the bushel affects the scale reading, too.
- Loosely Packed: If peaches are dropped casually into a basket, air spaces between them can reduce the overall weight.
- Snugly Packed: When arranged carefully, more peaches fit into the same space, increasing total weight.
- Container Type: Wooden baskets, woven crates, or cardboard boxes can each hold peaches slightly differently. Some containers allow for tighter stacking, while others leave more wasted space.
This factor is especially noticeable in wholesale settings, where uniform packing can mean a difference of several pounds per bushel.
6. Storage Time
Peaches don’t hold their weight forever.
- Immediately After Harvest: Freshly picked peaches are at their heaviest. They’re full of water and firm to the touch.
- After a Few Days: Even under refrigeration, peaches gradually lose moisture through evaporation. Their skins wrinkle slightly, and their weight decreases.
- Long-Term Storage: A bushel kept for a week or more could easily lose a pound or two just through natural water loss. This is why buyers who want the fullest value prefer peaches harvested and sold the same day.
7. Environmental Handling
Beyond these primary factors, external handling also matters.
- Temperature: Warm conditions accelerate water loss, while cooler storage helps peaches retain their weight.
- Transport: Bouncing and bruising during shipping can cause peaches to soften faster, leading to more rapid weight loss.
- Harvest Technique: Rough picking can damage the skin, allowing moisture to escape sooner. Gentle handling keeps the fruit intact and heavier for longer.
Why a Bushel’s Weight Matters
Understanding the weight of a bushel has practical significance:
- For Consumers: It helps you budget. If peaches are $60 per bushel, that’s $1.25 per pound—often cheaper than buying by the pound at a grocery store.
- For Canners: Recipes call for specific amounts. A bushel yields 16–24 quarts of canned peaches, so weight informs how many jars you’ll need.
- For Farmers: Fair trade depends on consistent measurements. Buyers want predictability.
- For Restaurants & Bakeries: Knowing weight helps plan large-scale recipes.
- For Nutrition Tracking: Weight ties directly into calorie and nutrient calculations.
Without weight standards, buyers might pay too much or receive too little, and recipes would be a gamble.
How Much Does a Bushel of Peaches Cost?
Cost varies depending on season, location, and quality. On average:
- $55–$70 per bushel at most farmers’ markets.
- $25–$35 for a half-bushel.
- $50–$60 per bushel wholesale for restaurants or large buyers.
Direct-from-farm peaches may cost more, but they often offer superior freshness and flavor. Conversely, wholesale boxes are slightly cheaper because they’re sold in volume.
Season also matters: early-season peaches may be pricier due to limited availability, while peak-season peaches are abundant and often cheaper.
What Is the Size of a Bushel of Peaches?
Physically, a bushel of peaches measures about 1 cubic foot (35 liters) of volume.
Typical bushel baskets or boxes are:
- 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, 12 inches tall.
- Sturdy enough to hold 40–50 pounds of fruit without collapsing.
Some orchards still use traditional wooden baskets with handles, while commercial sellers use ventilated boxes that are stackable and designed for long-distance transport.
How Big Is a Bushel of Peaches?
If you’ve never seen one, imagine:
- A container about the size of a small laundry basket.
- Enough fruit to fill two large grocery bags.
- Heavy enough that most people struggle to carry it comfortably without using both arms.
It’s not something you casually carry home unless you’re prepared. Many people who buy by the bushel bring a cart, cooler, or car trunk space specifically for the haul.
Uses of a Bushel of Peaches
So, what can you actually do with this mountain of fruit? Quite a lot:
- Fresh Eating: Great for large families, parties, or community events.
- Canning: A bushel typically yields 16–24 quarts of canned peaches. Perfect for year-round enjoyment.
- Juicing: A full bushel produces several gallons of peach juice or puree.
- Preserves: Enough fruit to make jars upon jars of peach jam, butter, or chutney.
- Baking: Dozens of pies, cobblers, or muffins.
- Freezing: Sliced peaches freeze well for smoothies or desserts.
For serious home cooks and bakers, a bushel is an opportunity for creativity—and a lot of kitchen time.
Bushel of Peaches Weight & Calorie Chart
To better understand the nutritional side, here’s a simple calorie breakdown:
| Weight of Peaches | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 lb (0.45 kg) | ~200 kcal |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | ~2,000 kcal |
| 25 lb (11.3 kg) | ~5,000 kcal |
| 48 lb (21.7 kg) | ~9,600 kcal |
| 50 lb (22.6 kg) | ~10,000 kcal |
So, a bushel represents nearly 10,000 calories of fresh fruit—plenty to share.
Weight Loss When Juiced
Juicing peaches means losing some of their bulk to pits, skins, and fiber. On average:
- Expect 30–40% loss.
- A 48 lb (21.7 kg) bushel yields about 30 lb (13.6 kg) of juice.
This is still substantial, giving you multiple gallons of fresh, sweet peach nectar.
How Many Bushels in a Serving?
One medium peach weighs about ⅓ lb (150 g) and counts as a single serving.
That means:
- 1 bushel (48 lb) contains about 150 servings of peaches.
- Enough for one person to eat a peach a day for almost five months.
This makes bushels incredibly efficient for households or anyone looking to stock up on healthy fruit.
Conclusion
A bushel of peaches is both a tradition and a practical measure. It represents abundance, summer flavor, and the joy of working with food in bulk.
On average, a bushel weighs 48–50 pounds (21–22 kg) and contains 60–70 peaches. That weight standard makes it useful for farmers, markets, cooks, and families alike. Whether you’re planning to can, juice, bake, or simply snack, knowing what a bushel represents helps you make the most of it.
Fun Facts
- One bushel = 60–70 medium peaches.
- A peck is one-quarter of a bushel, or about 12 pounds.
- Peaches are nearly 89% water, making them one of the juiciest fruits.
- Georgia is called “The Peach State,” but California actually produces more peaches.
- A single bushel makes roughly 20 homemade pies.
- The largest peach ever recorded weighed more than 1 pound.
- Buying a bushel can save 20–30% compared to purchasing peaches by the pound.