Selection and Storage
Peaches can be available year-round; however, the season for fresh fruits lasts from May until October. In the stores, look for fresh ones featuring rich color and may still have a slight whitish “bloom” on their surface indicating freshness, and that they have not been overhandled.
Avoid ones with excessive softness, or with surface cuts and bruises. Ripe fruits yield gentle pressure and feature a sweet aroma.
Slightly hard but mature fruits can be kept at room temperature until they ripen. The ripening process can be enhanced by applying ethylene (similar to the ripening of bananas). Storing inside a paper bag concentrates this gas and hastens the ripening process.
Ripe fruits can be kept in the refrigerator but preferably be brought back to room temperature before eating to enjoy their rich flavor.
Dried peaches are also available in the select stores along with raisins, currants, apricots, dates, etc.
Preparation and Serving tips
Wash them in cold running water just before using. Fresh ripe peaches should be enjoyed as a whole along with the skin. If not, make a deep lengthwise incision into the fruit until you reach the hard kernel, and then extract the seed. You can peel the skin just like you would with apples using a paring knife.
Like apples, sliced peach fruit sections undergo a browning process when exposed to air, caused by the enzymatic conversion of ferrous oxide to ferric oxide. If you need to serve sliced peaches, immerse the slices in water with a few drops of fresh lemon juice to prevent this discoloration.
To peel the skin, score a small cross at the base end using a knife. Dip in boiling water just for a minute and immediately immerse in cold water to cool quickly. Then peel its skin away from the cross.
Here are some serving tips:
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Peach sections are a great addition to fruit salads.
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Fresh fruits are being used in a variety of fruit cocktails along with grapes, pineapple, cherry, and plums.
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Peaches are being used in the preparation of pie, baklava, charlottes, tarts, desserts, jams, and jellies.
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They can also be used in various traditional recipes.
Safety profile
Peaches are less allergic to foods. Consumption of peach kernels in large amounts over a period of time, however, can cause weakness and stomachache.(Medical Disclaimer).
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Further reading and Resources:
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Virginia cooperative extension.
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USDA National Nutrition Database.
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USDA National Nutrient database.
