All About Peaches
Peaches are stone fruits with fuzzy skin and sweet, juicy flesh that ranges from white to deep orange. They bring natural sweetness and bright acidity to both sweet and savory dishes. Fresh peaches contain about 39 calories per 100g and peak from May through September. Their soft texture makes them ideal for eating fresh, grilling, or baking into cobblers and pies.
How to Select
Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end. Look for fruit with a sweet aroma and golden undertones beneath any red blush. Avoid green-tinged peaches or those with wrinkled skin. A 150g peach should feel heavy for its size.
How to Store
Keep unripe peaches at room temperature for 1-3 days until they soften. Store ripe peaches in the crisper drawer for up to 5 days. Place them in a single layer to prevent bruising. For longer storage, slice and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags for up to 10 months. Never refrigerate unripe peaches.
How to Prep
To peel, score an X on the bottom and blanch in boiling water for 30-60 seconds before transferring to ice water. The skin slides off easily. For slicing, cut around the natural seam, twist halves apart, and remove the pit with a spoon. Cut peaches into 8 wedges for grilling or dice into 1cm cubes for salsas. Work quickly to prevent browning.
Flavor Pairings
Peaches pair beautifully with dairy like ricotta and goat cheese, balancing their sweetness with tang. Cinnamon and vanilla enhance their natural flavor in baked goods. For savory dishes, try them with crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or peppery arugula. Brown sugar and honey intensify their sweetness while lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness.
Cooking Tips
Grill peach halves cut-side down for 4-5 minutes at 400°F until caramelized with visible grill marks.
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 4 cups sliced peaches to prevent browning for up to 8 hours.
Roast peaches at 425°F for 15-20 minutes with 2 tablespoons butter per pound of fruit.
Macerate sliced peaches with 2 tablespoons sugar per cup of fruit for 30 minutes before using in desserts.
Varieties
Need a substitute? See our Best Substitutes for Peaches guide with tested ratios.
FAQ
How do I ripen peaches faster?
Place firm peaches in a paper bag with a banana or apple at room temperature. The ethylene gas speeds ripening within 24-48 hours. Check every 12 hours by pressing gently near the stem. Once they yield slightly and smell sweet, move to the refrigerator. Never use plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause rot.
Can I substitute frozen for fresh peaches?
Yes, use frozen peaches directly in smoothies and cooked dishes without thawing. For baking, thaw and drain first, using about 10% less liquid in your recipe since frozen peaches release more juice. One pound of frozen equals about 3 medium fresh peaches. Frozen peaches work best in cobblers, not fresh applications like salads.
Why are my grilled peaches mushy?
Start with firm, slightly underripe peaches that hold their shape at high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil and preheat to 400-450°F. Place peaches cut-side down and don't move them for 4-5 minutes. The natural sugars caramelize, creating a barrier that prevents mushiness. Overripe peaches will always turn to mush on the grill.
How many peaches do I need per person?
Plan on 1-2 medium peaches (150-200g each) per person for eating fresh. For peach cobbler or pie, use 8 cups sliced peaches (about 3 pounds or 8-10 medium peaches) to serve 8 people. When grilling as a side dish, count on half a large peach per person.
