Buzz
There are countless ways to enjoy juicy, sweet peaches, as long as they're perfectly ripe. If you can’t wait for them to ripen and want to enjoy or eat them right away (we understand!), there are several techniques to speed up the ripening. We’ll walk you through methods for fast ripening and offer advice for those who can spare a little more time. Once you're familiar with these tricks, explore some delicious ideas for cooking and baking with peaches.
How to Select Perfectly Fresh Peaches
Like many stone fruits, fresh peaches have a short shelf life, so it's best to purchase them slightly underripe and let them ripen at home. When choosing peaches, pay attention to their texture, scent, and overall appearance. A ripe peach is fragrant, a little soft to the touch, and has rich golden skin.
When a peach is soft or tender to the touch when gently pressed, it is ripe and ready to enjoy; if it's firm, it hasn't ripened yet. Additionally, a ripe peach emits a sweet fragrance—even from a short distance. If it has no scent, it’s not ripe and won’t have the same flavor. Lastly, ripe peaches usually have a deep yellow hue, not a red or green tone.
Be gentle when handling peaches, as their delicate skin is prone to bruising easily.
How to Ripen Peaches
Like avocados, apples, and pears, peaches can be a bit tricky to ripen. Depending on how fast you want them to ripen, there are a few methods you can use: leaving them on the counter, placing them in a paper bag, or refrigerating them. Let’s explore how each of these techniques differs.
On the Counter
If you're not in a hurry to enjoy them, simply place your peaches (with the stem side facing up) on a platter or in a shallow bowl on the counter. Avoid stacking them, as this can slow down the ripening process. When stored this way, peaches should ripen in about three to five days, depending on how ripe they were when you bought them.
You can also ripen peaches using sunlight. Place them in a shallow bowl under direct sunlight, but be cautious not to let them get too hot, or they may start to bake. The heat will speed up the ripening process.
In a Paper Bag
To ripen peaches quickly and use them the same day, try the well-known paper bag method. The ethylene gas released by the fruit gets trapped in the bag, which accelerates the ripening process.
Place a few peaches in a paper bag, either alone or with an apple or banana, and you'll be amazed at how quickly they'll ripen. Using this method, expect ripe peaches in just a few hours or by the next day, depending on how firm the peaches were initially.
In the Refrigerator
For a slower ripening process, place peaches in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will significantly slow down their ripening, allowing them to last longer compared to being left on the counter. Peaches can last around five days in the fridge, but be sure to check them regularly, as they may dry out if left too long.
How to Use Ripe Peaches
Now that you have a bounty of ripe peaches, you can use them in a variety of dishes, from fresh salads to scrumptious desserts. Peaches can be grilled, baked, roasted, or tossed into cold recipes. Of course, you can also enjoy a fresh, ripe peach on its own as a tasty and nutritious snack.
Whether or not to peel your peaches is entirely up to you. The skin is edible and packed with nutrients, so it's not necessary to peel them. However, for certain baked goods, peeled peaches are often preferred to achieve a smoother texture. Try some of our peach recipes to experience this fruit's full range of flavors.
If you're not ready to eat or use your ripe peaches but want to preserve them for later, consider freezing peaches—either whole or sliced. This will help extend their shelf life and prevent them from going to waste.
Peach Cobbler Trifle
Greg DuPreeThis peach cobbler trifle is the perfect treat when you're craving something cold. The blend of sweet peaches, fresh whipped cream, and fluffy pound cake creates a dessert that's far too delicious to stop at just one serving.
Vietnamese-Inspired Peach Salad
Heami LeeThis salad is not only visually stunning, but it’s sure to please all your taste buds. It offers a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, sour, savory, and a touch of spiciness, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. While the zesty, garlicky dressing brings loads of flavor, the true star of this dish is the sweet donut peaches.
Roasted Pork Chops and Peaches
Con PoulosWho says peaches are only for desserts? This pork chop and couscous dish is far from ordinary, as it features a flavorful combination of vinegar, peaches, and onions. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Peach Iced Tea
Victor ProtasioThere's no better way to beat the heat on a scorching day than with a chilled glass of refreshing iced tea. This peach iced tea recipe blends both dried and fresh peaches, along with lemon, honey, and mint, creating a drink that's both flavorful and invigorating. Prepare a large pitcher to store in your fridge and enjoy all week long.
