Grocery
Fresh Peach
What it is
This is a ripe peach, a stone fruit known for its fuzzy skin and sweet, juicy flesh. Peaches are typically round with a distinct groove running down one side. They come in various shades of yellow, orange, and red, often with a blush of pink. The flesh can range from firm to soft depending on ripeness and variety. Peaches are a seasonal fruit, best enjoyed when they are at their peak.
How people cook with it
Peaches are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into a wide range of sweet and savory dishes.
- Sliced into salads
- Baked into pies
- Grilled for a smoky flavor
- Blended into smoothies
To prepare a peach, gently wash it under cool water. You can peel it if desired, though many enjoy the skin. To pit the peach, slice it in half along the natural groove and twist the halves apart. The pit will be in the center. You can then slice, dice, or mash the peach flesh as needed for your recipe. For grilling, cut the peach into wedges and brush lightly with oil.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to nectarines, peaches have a fuzzy skin, while nectarines are smooth. Both are stone fruits with similar flesh and sweetness, but the texture of the skin is the primary difference. Varieties also differ in firmness and juiciness.
Who it is for
Home cooks and bakers who enjoy fresh fruit will find many uses for this peach.
How to keep the rest
To store ripe peaches, keep them at room temperature for a day or two until they yield to gentle pressure. Once ripe, refrigerate them to slow down the ripening process. Store them loosely in a bag or container to prevent bruising.