The F.N. Sharp Guide to Choosing, Cutting & Storing Peaches – Plus, Delicious Recipes to Try!
Before we get into all of our peach prepping tips and recipe ideas, let’s go over some FAQs:
What Exactly Are Peaches?
Peaches are like the rockstars of the fruit world – sweet, juicy, and always in the spotlight. These fuzzy orbs of deliciousness are actually a type of stone fruit, which means they have a large seed in the middle. They come in various colors, from the classic yellow to blush pink, and even red!
Where Do Peaches Come From?
Picture this: rolling hills, sunny skies, and rows of peach trees as far as the eye can see. That's right, peaches thrive in warm, sunny climates like the southern United States, China, and Italy. They love soaking up the sun to reach their full flavor potential.
Are There Different Types of Peaches?
Oh, you betcha! There are hundreds of peach varieties out there, each with its own unique flavor and texture. From clingstone to freestone, white peaches to donut peaches, the peach world is a diverse and delicious place.
Yellow Peaches – The OG Peach: Yellow peaches are the most common type of peach you'll find at the grocery store. They have that classic peachy flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you bite into one fresh or use it in a peach cobbler, you can't go wrong with a yellow peach.
White Peaches – The Sweet Surprise: White peaches, on the other hand, offer a sweeter, milder flavor compared to their yellow counterparts. They have a delicate, floral taste that makes them perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day. Plus, their white flesh adds a unique twist to any peach dish.
Donut Peaches – The Quirky Peach: These flat, round peaches may look a bit odd, but don't let their shape fool you. Donut peaches are incredibly sweet and juicy, making them a fun and tasty option for peach lovers looking to try something new.
What's the Deal with Nectarines?
Now, onto the age-old question: what's the difference between a nectarine vs. a peach? Well, here's the scoop: nectarines are basically peaches without the fuzz. That's right, these smooth-skinned fruits are like the sleek, hairless cousins of peaches.
While peaches and nectarines may look different on the outside, their taste and texture are quite similar. Both fruits are sweet, juicy, and packed with vitamins and minerals. So, whether you prefer the fuzzy charm of a peach or the smooth allure of a nectarine, you can't go wrong with either choice.
Are Peaches Acidic?
Not at all! Despite their tangy-sounding name, peaches are actually low in acidity. This makes them a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues. So go ahead, indulge in that peach cobbler guilt-free!
Are Peaches Healthy?
Absolutely! Peaches are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are great for your overall health. They're low in calories, high in fiber, and can even help improve digestion. Plus, they make a sweet and satisfying snack!
What Are Peaches Good For?
Aside from being a tasty treat, peaches have a range of health benefits. They can help boost your immune system, improve skin health, and even aid in weight loss. Plus, they're a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
When Are Peaches in Season?
Peach season is like a summer fling – it's short but oh-so-sweet. Typically, peaches are in season from late spring to early fall, depending on where you are in the world. So make sure to stock up and enjoy them while you can!
How to Pick & Choose the Ripe Peach
First things first, give those peaches a gentle squeeze. A ripe peach should yield slightly to pressure, like a firm handshake from a friendly farmer. And forget about sniffing the peach's butt (that's so last season). Instead, look for a background color that's more golden than green. A red blush is also a good sign that the peach is ripe and ready to be devoured. Avoid peaches that are mushy or have soft spots, unless you're into that sort of thing.
How to Eat & Cook With Peaches
So, you've got some fresh peaches and you're wondering, "What the heck do I do with these juicy beauties?" Then get ready for some choices because we've got you covered with some peachy keen ideas to make the most out of those delicious fruits! But first, let’s answer some more frequently asked questions:
Can You Eat Peach Skin?
Absolutely! The skin of a peach is not only safe to eat but also contains extra fiber and nutrients. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before taking a big juicy bite.
Are Peach Pits Poisonous?
While peach pits do contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when metabolized in large amounts, you would need to consume a huge number of pits to be at risk. So, it's best to avoid eating them and stick to enjoying the flesh of the peach instead.
Ways to Eat & Cook with Fresh Peaches
Fresh: Dive right in and enjoy a fresh, ripe peach as is. It's nature's candy! Just don’t watch out for the pit!
Salads and Grain Bowls: Slice up some peaches and toss them into your favorite salad or grain bowl for a burst of sweetness.
Salsas and Dips: Dice peaches and mix them with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a refreshing salsa or blend them into a creamy dip.
Grilling: Grill peach halves for a caramelized treat that's perfect on its own or as a topping for ice cream.
Roasting: Roast peaches with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and cozy dessert.
Savory Meals: Add sliced peaches to savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork for a surprising twist of flavor.
How to Store Peaches
Fresh peaches are delicate, juicy, and delicious – but storing them properly makes all the difference. So, if you’re wondering how to keep those peaches from going bad faster than a banana in a heatwave, then donut worry! We’ve got all of the tips and tricks for storing those precious peaches!
First, Should Peaches be Refrigerated?
The answer is...it depends. If your peaches are ripe and ready to eat, go ahead and pop those babies in the fridge to keep them fresh for a few more days. But if they're still rock hard and need some time to ripen, leave them on the counter at room temperature, stem-side down, for a couple of days or until they reach their peachy potential.
How to Quickly Ripen Peaches
Got a hankering for peaches but they're as hard as a baseball? Place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. The ethylene gas released by the fruits will speed up the ripening process. It's like a fruity science experiment!
To speed things up, pop them into a paper bag with a banana or apple – this traps ethylene gas and helps them ripen faster. It’s like a fruity science experiment!
How to Keep Peaches Fresh
Once ripe (they’ll have a little give and that unmistakable peachy aroma), transfer them to the fridge to slow further ripening. Ripe peaches are best enjoyed within 2–3 days. If you’ve already cup up your peaches, toss the slices with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To prevent ripening altogether—like if you’re transporting or stocking up—keep unripe peaches in the fridge right away. This slows the ripening process significantly, but bring them back to room temp when you're ready to finish the ripening process.
How to Freeze Peaches
Got more peaches than you know what to do with, or want to enjoy peaches year-round? Freeze 'em! Simply peel and slice your peaches, then lay them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Now you'll have a stash of frozen peaches ready for smoothies, pies, or just snacking straight from the freezer!
How to Can Peaches
Canning peaches is another classic method for preserving those fresh peaches: you’ll peel, pit, and slice them, then pack into sterilized jars with a hot syrup (light, medium, or heavy, depending on your taste). Process in a boiling water bath to seal, and they’ll last for months in your pantry.
With the right storage tricks, you can enjoy peak peach flavor for days, weeks, or even months! 🍑
First things first, you need to decide if you want to peel your peaches or not. If you prefer them naked (peeled), blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skin will easily slide off. If you're feeling lazy (we've all been there), just grab a peeler and peel away!
How to Slice a Peach
Now that your peaches are peeled (or not), it's time to slice them up. Hold the peach firmly in your hand and carefully slice down vertically along the pit. Give it a twist to separate the two halves, remove the pit and slice each half into your desired thickness. Voila, you've got peach slices ready to devour!
How to Chop Peaches
If you're looking to chop your peaches for a salsa or salad, it's a breeze. Start by slicing your peeled peach as mentioned above. Then, lay the slices flat and cut them into strips. Finally, turn the strips and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Your chopped peaches are now ready to add a burst of flavor to your dish!
There you have it, folks! Cutting peaches doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these simple steps, you'll be a peach-cutting pro in no time. So grab those peaches, get slicing, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your labor!
Practice Your Peach-Cutting Skills With These Recipes
Are you ready to master cutting up those peaches? Here are some recipe ideas to help get you there!
Easy Homemade Fresh Peach Cobbler
Grab some fresh peaches and some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (and a little bit of booze) for this classic dessert recipe! Peeled and sliced fresh peaches, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cardamom, ground ginger, full-fat milk, whisked egg, bourbon, vanilla, kosher salt and flaky sea salt all come together to create this easy homemade peach cobbler recipe!
Grilled Chicken Summer Salad
This recipe calls for the peach’s cousin – the smooth nectarine – but it will be delicious with either one you choose! Spicy seasoned grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced red onion, sliced nectarines, blueberries, salad greens, salty crumbled gorgonzola and a homemade lemon-dill vinaigrette dressing all come together in this sweet and spicy grilled chicken summer salad recipe!
Chicken & Peach Saltimbocca Skewers
Saltimbocca doesn’t have to be reserved for restaurant menus, and it doesn’t have to feature veal, either! This chicken kabob version adds peaches to bring fresh flavor to your plate – plus, it gives you a reason to fire up that grill! Cubed boneless chicken breasts, cubed fresh peaches, prosciutto ham and Italian spices all come together to create this chicken kebab version of Italy's classic Saltimbocca.
I got these for my husband and he LOVED them! Starting with the box - so well made and packaged - beautifully designed and balanced handle - everything is perfect about the knife. Great job F N Sharp!
Functional, great capacity, and beautifully made. We tossed our old knife block out, but included the old knives in with the new, as there is ample room.
Grab some fresh peaches and some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (and a little bit of booze) for this classic dessert recipe! Peeled and sliced fresh peaches, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cardamom, ground ginger, full-fat milk, whisked egg, bourbon, vanilla, kosher salt and flaky sea salt all come together to create 
This recipe calls for the peach’s cousin – the smooth nectarine – but it will be delicious with either one you choose! Spicy seasoned grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced red onion, sliced nectarines, blueberries, salad greens, salty crumbled gorgonzola and a homemade lemon-dill vinaigrette dressing all come together in 
Saltimbocca doesn’t have to be reserved for restaurant menus, and it doesn’t have to feature veal, either! This chicken kabob version adds peaches to bring fresh flavor to your plate – plus, it gives you a reason to fire up that grill! Cubed boneless chicken breasts, cubed fresh peaches, prosciutto ham and Italian spices all come together to create