Peaches: How to Select, Store and Serve
Jun 06, 2014
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Domestic peaches are in season now! Peaches grow in many regions of the United States, but the most famous areas for peach farming are California, Georgia & South Carolina. And all 3 of these regions are keeping our grocery stores stocked right now with peaches. They are an iconic summertime fruit and won’t last long so make sure you pick some up this weekend while grocery shopping.
Select
- The red blush on your peaches does NOT indicate ripeness or flavor – color can vary, but all peaches have a yellow under color
- Smell your peaches — they should be fragrant
- Skin should be firm & fuzzy — avoid peaches with wrinkles or skin with blemishes
- Peaches are often available at various stages of firmness — ripe peaches will yield to gentle pressure.
Store
- Place firm peaches on your countertop at room temperature – they will ripen within a few days. You can speed up the ripening process by putting them in a brown bag. Add a tomato, avocado or banana to the brown bag to further expedite the at-home ripening process
- Once a peach is ripe, you can refrigerate them for up to a week
- Do not refrigerate firm peaches! They will not ripen properly!
Serve
- One of the best ways to eat a summer peach is out-of-hand. Don’t forget your napkin, though. Ripe peaches are JUICY!
- To peel your peaches: place it in boiling water for 30 seconds & then shock it in ice water. The skin will peel off easily.
- Toss sliced peaches with lemon juice to minimize browning/oxidation.
- For recipes featuring peaches, check out Sage Fruit’s recipe page.
Grilled Peaches
Grilled Summer Peach Salad
Peach Smoothie
What is your favorite way to enjoy peaches? Let us know in the comments below.
