Right now there are PEACHES EVERYWHERE! It’s making me sing the Peaches song from the Super Mario Brothers Movie. “Peaches. Peaches. Peaches,peaches,peaches!”
In honor of all the peaches everywhere here are some storage tips to keep them fresh:
- Keep peaches at room temperature until ripe for best flavor and texture.
- Ripen peaches in a loosely closed paper bag. Add an apple or banana to speed ripening. Check daily until soft, then eat or refrigerate.
- Store ripe peaches in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with holes to prevent moisture on the surface.
- Use within a few days.
- To keep them from browning, cut peaches just before serving or dip cut peaches in water with lemon juice (2 Tablespoons/quart).
- To freeze cut peaches, first treat the slices to prevent browning (see above). Then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer bag or container. Use within 12 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Ideas for Using Peaches:
- Add cut peaches to yogurt, cold cereal, or oatmeal to add sweetness and flavor.
- Peaches can be mixed into the batter of pancakes, waffles, muffins, or bread.
- Grill fresh peach halves for a simple dessert.
Have a lovely weekend, friends!
Kate M-C
Food as Medicine Coordinator for the Rural Health Network of SCNY