Choosing and Storing Key to Flavor of Peaches

First posted on 07-22-2008

For best flavor and lasting quality, it’s important to know how to choose and store peaches according to Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“When buying or picking fresh peaches, choose the ones that have a sweet smell and a golden background color,” said Roberts. “The red blush on the peach is pretty but it is not an indicator that it is ripe. The peach should give slightly.”

Roberts says that if you get a slightly under-ripe peach, store it in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature and check daily for ripeness.

Washed, fresh, ripe peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. They taste best if they are served at room temperature.

“If you are using a recipe that calls for fresh peaches, the skin can be easily removed by dipping it in boiling water for 30 seconds and then dropped immediately in cold water,” said Roberts.

One pound of fresh, or about two to four medium sized, peaches yield two cups of sliced or 1.5 cups pureed fruit.

“Peaches are great added to cereal, yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding or ice cream. They can be canned or frozen or pureed and dried as fruit leather,” said Roberts.

For more information on nutrition issues, go online to http://extension.missouri.edu or contact Roberts at (417) 682-3579