Summer is the time of year when all the fresh fruits and vegetables are in season. And, peaches are always a favorite, whether you have a backyard garden or you love to visit local farms, at some point you will find yourself wondering how to store peaches to keep them fresh.
Reducing food waste is important not only to help stretch our food budgets but also to help keep the fridge clean, and free of spoiled produce. So, with these simple tips, you can get the best bang for your buck with this summer fruit.
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Peaches are a delicious and nutritious fruit that will bring a little joy to your kitchen. They are great for snacking on their own or adding to salads, smoothies, and desserts.
However, if not stored properly, peaches can quickly spoil and become moldy. So, I've gathered up all my best tips for storing your peaches to keep them fresh.
Why You'll Love Fresh Peaches
- Fresh peaches can be a refreshing treat on hot summer days, juicy and sweet. Their flavor can't be beat.
- Peaches have a high water content, so they are a great way to add some extra hydration on a warm day.
- Whether you're enjoying them as a raw snack, baking them into a pie, or tossing them into a salad, peaches add a burst of summer flavor to any dish.
The Difference Between Freestone and Clingstone Peaches
Do you ever pass roadside stands that boost different varieties of peaches, and find yourself wondering what they are? The two main types of peaches are freestone and clingstone, and this refers to how easily the pit or stone separates from the flesh.
- Freestone peaches have pits that come out easily when you cut them in half. They are typically larger, juicier, and sweeter than clingstone peaches, which means they are great for eating raw or in salads.
- Clingstone peaches have pits that cling to the flesh, making them harder to slice. They are usually smaller and less sweet than freestone peaches, but they are great for canning and preserving as they hold their shape.
How to Store Peaches
Peaches are highly perishable fruits, so you must store them correctly to extend their shelf life. Here are some tips for the best way to store peaches:
- Peaches have a natural protective coating that helps keep them fresh, and washing them removes this layer. Only wash the peaches right before consuming.
- If you plan on eating your peaches within 1-2 days, store them at room temperature in a single layer on the kitchen counter. Make sure to keep them away from heat sources, otherwise, they will spoil quickly.
- For longer storage, place peaches in a paper bag and keep them in the refrigerator. The paper bag will help absorb moisture and prevent the fruit from getting too ripe quickly.
This delicious Fruit Trifle recipe is a great way to use up fresh peaches before they spoil and go rotten. Just swap the mangos for freshly sliced peaches. It's an amazing summer dessert.
How To Freeze Peaches
Freezing peaches is an excellent way to save them for future use. Here's how you can freeze peaches:
- Start by washing and drying the peaches.
- Cut peaches in half, remove the pit, and cut them into slices or chunks.
- Blanch the peaches in boiling water for one minute, then transfer them to an ice cold water.
- Once cooled, remove the peaches from the ice bath, and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash-freeze them for one hour or until they are firm. This will prevent them from sticking together in the freezer.
- After they are firm, transfer the frozen peaches to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- Label and date your container or freezer bags, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Using a vacuum sealer can help you store the peaches longer in your freezer.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Peaches
Picking ripe fruit fresh off the trees with your family is a classic summertime activity. However, it doesn't matter if you are picking your peaches off trees, from your local farm stand, or the grocery store; some tips can help. Here are some tips to ensure you choose the best peaches:
- Look for peaches that have a sweet, fruity aroma. A ripe peach will have a fragrant scent.
- Avoid peaches with wrinkled skin or blemishes, as they may be overripe or spoiling.
- Gently squeeze the fruit near the stem; if it gives slightly, it is ripe and ready to eat.
- Choose slightly firm peaches. If they are too soft, they may be overripe.
Ways to Use Fresh and Frozen Peaches
Both fresh and frozen peaches can be incredibly versatile in the kitchen, adding a hint of summer's sweetness to various dishes. Whether you're working with peaches right from the tree or those you've stashed in the freezer, here are some delicious ways to incorporate them into your recipes:
- Peach Cobbler: This classic dessert is packed full of sweet and tangy flavors of fresh peaches, creating a comforting dish that's perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try this Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix for an easy treat.
- Peach Salsa: This fresh salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken.
- Smoothies: Adding frozen peach slices to smoothies can provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Peach Salad: Fresh peach slices can add a juicy, sweet twist to leafy green salads.
- Peach Syrup: Get a burst of summer flavors with this easy Peach Syrup recipe. Made with real ripe peaches and a few pantry ingredients this syrup is far superior and cheaper than store bought syrup.
- Grilled Peaches: Halve fresh peaches and grill them until they're warm and caramelized. Grilled peaches are great as a side dish, on salads, or even to top your favorite protein.
Kitchen Tips For Cooking With Peaches
- To ripen peaches quickly, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas that speeds up the ripening process.
- To peel or not to peel is the question. Peeling peaches is a personal preference, but if you want to remove the peel quickly, blanch the fruit in boiling water for 30 seconds and then place them in an ice bath. The skin should come off easily.
- When cutting peaches, use a sharp knife and cut around the pit instead of pulling it out. This method avoids bruising or damaging the flesh of your peaches.
- To prevent browning, toss peeled and sliced peaches in lemon juice or a solution of water and ascorbic acid. This trick also works well when freezing peaches.
Peaches are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed in multiple ways, from fresh off the tree to frozen for later use. This summer feel confident in purchasing this tasty fruit and using these tips to store, freeze, and cook with peaches and combat food waste in your kitchen.
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