Knowing the best way to store peaches is important!
Fresh peaches are probably one of my favorite fruits but prime peach season also feels relatively short. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying, storing, and cooking fresh peaches.

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California, Georgia, and South Carolina are the largest producers of peaches in the United States. There are more than 300 varieties of peaches grown in North America. Peaches are typically available May through September with the season peaking in July and August. Peaches are stone fruits, or drupes, because of the pit aka stone inside that holds the seed. A juicy peach is one of the best things about summer.
What is the difference between white and yellow peaches?
Yellow peaches have reddish-orange skin and golden yellow flesh, while white peaches have pale rosy-yellow skin and pale flesh. Yellow peaches are more acidic with a tartness that mellows as the peach ripens and softens. They are sturdier and hold up better when cooked. White peaches are less acidic and taste sweet whether they are firm or soft. When cooked they do not hold up as well and become mushy.
What is the difference between clingstone, freestone, or semi-freestone?
The biggest difference is the ease of removing the peach pit.
Clingstone peach flesh "clings" to the pit. These peaches can also be slightly softer, sweeter, and juicier than freestone peaches. Most grocery stores only sell freestone peaches. Clingstone peaches can sometimes be found at a farmers market or local orchard.
Freestone peach flesh does not "cling" to the pit making them easier to eat. They are slightly larger and less juicy than clingstone peaches.
You may also find semi-freestone peaches which are a hybrid of clingstone and freestone peaches. They are an attempt to combine the easy pit removal of freestone peaches with the extra juicy sweetness of clingstone peaches.
Fun Fact! Nectarines are, technically a variety of peach. The two fruits are so closley related that sometimes nectarines will even grow on the branches of peach trees!
How can you tell if peaches are ripe?
Choose peaches with golden yellow skin and no tinges of green that feel heavy for their size. The stem cavity of a peach should be yellow and not green. Ripe fruit should yield to gentle pressure and is intensely fragrant. There have been many times I have been walking through the produce section of the grocery store and have stopped to follow my nose to some delicious peaches.
Can you pick them before they are ripe?
Yes, peaches will continue to ripen after they have been picked. To quickly ripen peaches, place them in a paper bag. Add a ripe banana to speed up the ripening process. Check the peaches every day by holding them in the palm of your hand and giving them a gentle squeeze rather than poking them with your thumb and index finger which could cause bruising. Remove any ripe peaches.
Storing Peaches That Aren’t Quite Ripe
If your peaches need a few more days to ripen, the best place to store them is on the counter at room temperature. Place then stem-side down in a single layer to avoid bruising.
Try this tasty streusel cake topped with soft fresh peaches.
How to store ripe peaches
Once peaches are perfectly ripe they should be stored in the refrigerator. The cold air will dramatically slow down the ripening process. Peaches will usually keep in the refrigerator for five days. Check the peaches frequently. The cold air will cause the peaches to dehydrate. As peaches dehydrate their skin begins to wrinkle. If you notice wrinkles on a refrigerated peach, you should try to eat it as soon as possible or toss it in the freezer (more on that option below).
How do you keep freshly cut peaches from turning brown?
Like many fruits, peaches will begin to turn brown or oxidize once they have been cut. This happens because when peaches are cut the cell walls are damaged, exposing them to air and causing them to release enzymes that result in browning. To prevent browning brush your peaches with a little lemon juice. Cutting your peaches in the largest slices possible will also help reduce oxidation.
A refreshing sweet peach tea with fresh peaches, and if you want to booze it up, add a splash of peach Bourbon.
How to store cut peaches
Cut peaches should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated as soon as possible. Once cut peaches should be eaten within three to four days.
How to blanch peaches
In my opinion, the easiest way to peel a peach is to blanch them first. Blanching peaches loosens their skin making them super easy to peel. The heat helps separate the skin from the flesh so the peels slip off with just a little pressure from your fingers.
To blanch peaches:
- Gently wash all of the peaches.
2. Slice a small X in the bottom of each peach being careful to not slice too deeply into the flesh. You only need to cut through the skin. This step allows for expansion when the peaches are blanched.
3. Place the peaches, a few at a time, in a large pot of boiling water for about thirty seconds. Try this stockpot. It is perfect for blanching fruits and vegetables as well as make a big batch of my homemade pasta sauce.
Don't worry if the water starts to turn a brownish color. That is just some of the coloring from the skin reacting to the air and water. You will know the peaches are ready when the skin begins to pull away from the flesh where you made your cuts. Use a slotted spoon to move the peaches to a bowl filled with ice water.
4. Once the peaches have cooled the skin should easily peel away.
5. To remove the pit, start at the stem end and slice down and all the way around the peach, keeping the blade up against the pit in the center. Twist the two halves in opposite directions and then pull apart to expose the pit. Then simply pop the pit free. Slice or chunk your peeled peaches.
How do you peel a peach without boiling it?
My favorite method for peeling peaches is to blanch them first. In fact, if your timing is good you can't even tell that the peach has been cooked slightly. But if you would prefer to skip the blanching step, check out these instructions on how to peel a peach from Dear Creatives.
These Peach Strawberry Popsicles are made with just 5 ingredients and are a healthier treat for hot days.
How to preserve fresh peaches
When I think of food preservation I think of three main options: freezing, canning, and dehydration.
What is the best way to freeze fresh peaches?
When peaches are in season I find myself buying peck after peck of peaches because they are so delicious. I want to be able to enjoy these peaches all year round not just for a short couple of months. Freezing is a great way to preserve peaches for use later.
There is no one best way to freeze fresh peaches. In fact, there are four different ways to freeze peaches. The method you choose depends on how you intend to use your frozen peaches.
Freezing peaches without added sugar
There are two ways to freeze peaches without sugar.
Dry pack
The best thing about freezing peaches without added liquid or sugar is that you can use them as you would fresh peaches.
- In a large bowl toss the peach slices with lemon juice, citric acid, or a fruit-preserving product such as Ball’s Fruit Fresh. This will help prevent browning.
- Lay the peaches out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the peaches in the freezer for about four hours.
- Once frozen place the peaches in a ziptop bag and label it with the contents. date, and amount.
Wet pack
- Pack peaches into a ziptop bag.
- Pour water or unsweetened fruit juice over the peaches.
- Seal the ziptop bag and label it with the contents. date, and amount.
How do you freeze peaches with sugar?
- In a large bowl toss the peach slices with lemon juice, citric acid, or a fruit-preserving product such as Ball’s Fruit Fresh along with ½ teaspoon of sugar for each peach added. This will help prevent browning and will release juices from the peaches, eliminating air pockets when freezing.
- Cover and allow the peaches to sit for 15 minutes until they become juicy.
- Pack peaches into a ziptop bag.
- Seal the ziptop bag and label it with the contents. date, and amount.
Syrup pack
Allow ½ to ⅔ cup syrup for every 2 cups peaches.
- Choose a syrup:
- Very Light Syrup: Use 1 cup sugar and 4 cups water to yield about 4 cups syrup.
- Light Syrup: Use 1-⅔ cups sugar and 4 cups water to yield about 4-¼ cups syrup.
- Medium Syrup: Use 2-⅔ cups sugar and 4 cups water to yield about 4-⅔ cups syrup.
- Heavy Syrup: Use 4 cups sugar and 4 cups water to yield about 5-¾ cups syrup.
2. Prepare the syrup:
Place the recommended amounts of sugar and water in a large saucepan. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and skim the foam off, if necessary.
3. Pack the peaches:
- Pack peaches into a ziptop bag.
- Pour syrup over the peaches.
- Seal the ziptop bag and label it with the contents. date, and amount.
Tips for packaging peaches for freezing
- I like to package my peaches for freezing in zip-top bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. I label each bag with the contents, amount, and date.
- To help your peaches freeze more quickly, make sure to lay the bags flat in the freezer. Leave space between the bags so air can circulate around them. Flat bags are also easier to store and will take up less room in a crowded freezer.
How long do frozen peaches last?
Peaches can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. If there are dry spots or discolorations on the frozen peaches, freezer burn has begun to set in. The frozen peaches are still safe to eat, but the texture and flavor will be affected.
Blackened Salmon with Peach Salsa is my brand new favorite dinner! If you love sweet and spicy, this recipe is for you. Juicy peaches and creamy avocados are tossed with spicy jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro and salt to make the best salsa of all time, and it’s served served on top of super flavorful blackened pan-seared salmon. It’s all the flavors of summer on a plate!
Defrosting
To thaw frozen peaches, thaw in their container either in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cool water. Depending on your recipe, you may want to drain the peaches before using them; you can also use the peach juice as a marinade or add it to a fruit salad. You can treat the excess peach juice the same as you would treat extra juice from canned peaches.
How to can
My great-grandmother always had rows of mason jars filled with home-canned items from her garden. But then canning fell out of favor. Recently I have noticed a renewed interest in home canning. I am not an expert on canning and won't pretend to be. It is really important that you closely follow the directions of a canning expert. Otherwise, you can make someone very very sick. Here are some great resources to check out:
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Check out their instructions for canning halved or sliced peaches. They also have some yummy recipes for Peach-Orange Marmalade and Peach-Pineapple Spread.
- The All-New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving: This is one of my favorite books because it comes spiral bound which means it always lays flat and I don't have to worry about flipping through the pages with sticky fingers.
How to dehydrate
Dehydrating peaches is a great way to store them for later use without sacrificing space in your refrigerator or freezer. Dehydrated peaches make a great snack or topping for a bowl of oatmeal. You can also rehydrate them and use them in recipes just as you would fresh peaches.
Check out this guide from The Spruce Eats on how to dehydrate peaches. If you don't already have a dehydrator this one is my favorite budget-friendly dehydrator and it is available on Amazon.
What to do with lots of fresh peaches?
There are so many delicious ways to serve fresh peaches! You could make a smoothie, fruit salad, jam, cake, pie, or cobbler. Peaches also pair really well with pork and poultry. Now that you know how to choose and store peaches let's dive into some amazing recipes!
Peach Bread - Moist and fruity with a sticky brown sugar glaze.
- Peach Creme Brulee - Raspberries and Kohlrabi Creme brulee with peaches is a super quick and easy dessert recipe that uses just seven simple ingredients.
- Fresh Peach Danish Pastries - Barth Bakery Paired with fresh peach slices, a creamy honey vanilla mascarpone filling, toasted slivered almonds, and a buttery puff pastry, these Danish pastries are a beautiful addition to breakfast or brunch with family or friends.
- Instant Pot Peach Crisp - When is Dinner? This easy to make Instant Pot Peach Crisp uses 7 basic ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes!
- Peaches N Cream Ice Cream - Swirls of Flavor You don’t need an ice cream maker to make our Peaches N Cream Ice Cream recipe! This no-churn ice cream is made with fresh peaches and a hint of vanilla. With just four ingredients, our homemade peach ice cream will be the most requested frozen treat of the summer!
- Air Fryer Grilled Peaches - The Food Hussy I love grilled peaches - but who wants to heat up the grill for 2 little peaches?! I found a better (and quicker) way - pop 'em in the AIR FRYER!!! I think they're even tastier because you make the sauce right along with the grilled peaches!
- Peach Crumb Bars - Snappy Gourmet These Peach Crumb Bars with fresh peaches are a cross between Peach Pie and Peach Cookies. Delicious!
- 5-Ingredient Grilled Peach Salad with Prosciutto and Burrata - Pina Bresciani At only 5 ingredients, this grilled peach salad is so easy to make, but so impressive at the same time!
- Maple Peach Whisky Jam - Kelly Neil This small-batch Maple Peach Whisky Jam recipe makes about one pint of jam. Whiskey and fresh thyme help balance out the sweetness of the peaches and maple syrup, and a small amount of pectin adds a more jammy consistency.
- Easy Peach Galette with Almonds - A Baking Journey This easy Peach Galette Recipe combines a flaky galette pastry, naturally sweet and juicy Peaches and nutty Almonds to create the most simple and delicious summer dessert!
- Peach BBQ Chicken Pizza - Chisel and Fork If you love peaches, BBQ and pizza then why not combine all three in this peach BBQ chicken pizza which is the perfect summer meal.
- Best Peach Sorbet Without Ice Cream Maker - Chef Not Required The Best Peach Sorbet Without Ice Cream Maker - simple 3 ingredient peach sorbet that tastes like summer in a bowl, with no need for an ice cream maker!
- Peach Upside Down Cake - Simple Happy Foodie If you love fresh Summer peaches as much as I do, then you need to make this Peach Upside-down Cake! It’s a simple cake to make! It looks impressive. It tastes even better!
- Baked Ginger Peach Chicken - Will Cook for Smiles
What are your favorite peach recipes?
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