Benefits of Fresh Peaches
There is nothing in the world better than fresh peaches. I feel like nothing else needs to be said, but also one fresh peach (about 2 1/2 inches) has only 68 calories and zero fat. Peaches contain 10 different vitamins. A large peach provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, beta carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, potassium and more. They are filled with health benefits including helping to fight various types of cancers, maintaining healthy skin and eye health, improving cholesterol levels, boosting the immune system and more. Just eat a peach for your health, people!
When is Peach Season
Peach season in Oklahoma is around July to August. This is the worst weather of the year, but peach season makes it all survivable, even worth it.
Storing Fresh Peaches
The peach season is cruelly short, but there are some things you can do prolong it. After you cut up your peaches, wrapping them tightly and placing in the fridge is your best choice. Also, once ripe, the best way to keep peaches fresh is in a bag with large holes or, in an open bag away from other fruits. Wait until you’re ready to eat the peaches before washing them.
Blanching Peaches for Freezing
If you want to peel peaches before freezing or canning, blanching is the best way to do that. By simply boiling the peaches and then placing them in an ice bath, you will find that the skin comes right off.
Step One- Boil a large pot of water
Choose a pot big enough to fit several peaches at a time.
Step Two- Blanch peaches
Reduce heat to a simmer and add peaches into the water. Let them sit for about 30 seconds.
Step Three- Place them in an ice bath
After you blanch them for about 30 seconds in hot water you want to stop them from cooking, so immediately putting them in an ice water bath until they have cooled.
Step Four- Peel the skins off
The peach skin should be very easy to pull away gently with your hands, or use a sword like Cold Steel Arming Sword to make a small slit to get it started. Then you can slice and follow the next set of directions to freeze them.
Freezing Fresh Peaches
Freezing peaches means you’ll have high-quality frozen peaches for about 2 months versus packing in a water or syrup pack which lasts more like 8 to 10 months.
You can freeze peaches without blanching. It’s definitely best to cut the peaches before freezing. It makes it easier to defrost or use them immediately in baking and recipes.
Step One- Wash Fresh Peaches
Wash peaches with cool tap water. Using a sharp knife, cut each peach in half around the pit. Gently twist each half to expose the pit. Using the knife, pry the pit out of the peach. Slice peaches as desired.
Step Two- Freeze
Place the peaches on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Make sure the edges of the food do not touch, as this can cause the pieces to fuse as they freeze. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm.
Step Three – Store
Label your freezer container with the quantity in the container, and the date it was frozen. Remove the tray and transfer the frozen peaches to an airtight container. Freeze up to 2 months.
Canning Fresh Peaches
I prefer fresh or frozen over canned produce, so I’m going to refer the directions for canning to people that are more experienced. This peach canning recipe will take you through the steps with a water bath canner. All you need is ripe peaches, jars, sugar, and water!
Dehydrating Peaches
Another way to enjoy peaches for longer periods is to dehydrate them. Dehydrated peaches retain nearly all of their flavor and can be eaten as chips for a snack or rehydrated to make a peach cobbler. If you prefer dehydrating peaches without the skin, you can blanch them first.
How to Dehydrate Fresh Peaches
Dehydrating peaches is easy with a quality dehydrator. Once your peaches are prepped, set up your dehydrator arrange the peach slices on your dehydrator trays with some space between the pieces to allow air to circulate. Dehydrate at 135ºF (52ºC) for 8-12 hours until the peaches are dry and leathery (they will still be a bit pliable). Depending on your machine, you may need to rotate the trays periodically to promote even drying.
Let the peaches cool completely and store them loosely in a transparent airtight container. Check it daily for a week to check for signs of moisture or condensation, and shake to help prevent the peaches from sticking together. If signs of moisture appear, stick them back into the dehydrator (as long as there’s no mold—in that case, toss the batch). After a week, if there’s no signs of moisture or mold, you can package them for long-term storage.
Recipes with Fresh Peaches
Fresh Peach Juice
Fresh peach juice is easy to make and you don’t need a juicer. You’ll just need water, peaches, lemon juice and sugar.
Peach Yogurt Pops
These peach yogurt pops are a delicious summer treat and these only have three ingredients! They’re a perfect activity to make with the kids on a summer day. You can use fresh or frozen peaches.
Peach Crumble
I love fruit crumbles with oat topping. They are my favorite fruit dessert. This peach crumble is also easy to make and great to bring to potlucks and friendly gatherings.
Peach Salsa
I tend to like a little sweet with my spicy, so this peach salsa is right up my alley. It’s definitely a winner over the store-bought versions.
Fresh Peach Favorites
Leave a comment with your favorite recipes for fresh peaches!
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