INDIANA — August 27 is National Peach Day, giving peach lovers another reason to enjoy one of summer’s most beloved fruits.
Whether eaten fresh over the kitchen sink, baked into a pie or cobbler, grilled for a summer barbecue or blended into a refreshing drink, peaches are one of those fruits that can make just about any meal feel a little more like summer.
Peaches are believed to have originated in northwest China and eventually made their way around the world. Today, they are grown in many parts of the United States and are a popular summertime staple.
Did You Know?
There is more to peaches than their fuzzy skin and sweet flavor. Here are a few fun facts to celebrate National Peach Day:
- Peaches are related to plums, cherries and apricots. They are all members of the rose family.
- There are hundreds of peach varieties. They can vary in color, size, sweetness and texture.
- Peaches come in different colors. The flesh can be yellow, white or even red depending on the variety.
- The skin is edible. After washing a peach, there’s no need to peel it before enjoying it.
- Peaches are a good source of vitamin C. They also contain fiber, potassium and other nutrients.
- Peaches are technically a stone fruit. The large pit in the center is known as a stone, just like the pit found in a plum or cherry.
- Nectarines are closely related to peaches. In fact, nectarines are essentially peaches without the characteristic fuzzy skin.
What’s the Difference Between Peach Varieties?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a display of peaches and wondered which ones to buy, the variety can make a difference depending on what you’re planning to make.
- Freestone peaches are popular for eating and cooking because the flesh separates relatively easily from the pit. They are especially convenient when you’re slicing peaches for a recipe.
- Clingstone peaches have flesh that clings tightly to the pit. They can be a little more difficult to cut, but they’re still delicious and are commonly used in canning and processing.
- Yellow peaches are probably the variety many people picture when they think of a classic peach. They typically have a sweet flavor balanced by some acidity, making them versatile for eating fresh or cooking.
- White peaches generally have a sweeter, less acidic flavor and pale flesh. They are delicious on their own and can add a delicate sweetness to desserts and salads.
- Donut or Saturn peaches are flatter than traditional peaches and have a distinctive shape. They tend to be sweet and juicy, making them a fun option for snacking.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Peaches
You don’t need an elaborate recipe to celebrate National Peach Day. A ripe peach can be enjoyed in countless ways.
- Peach and yogurt parfait: Layer sliced peaches with vanilla yogurt and granola for an easy breakfast or snack.
- Grilled peaches: Cut peaches in half, remove the pits and place them cut-side down on a grill for a few minutes. Serve them with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Peach salsa: Combine diced peaches with tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice for a sweet-and-spicy salsa that’s perfect with tortilla chips or grilled chicken.
- Peach salad: Add sliced peaches to a salad with greens, nuts, cheese and a light vinaigrette for a simple summer meal.
- Peach smoothie: Blend peaches with yogurt, milk or juice and ice for a refreshing drink.
A Classic Peach Cobbler
One of the easiest ways to turn fresh peaches into a dessert is with a homemade peach cobbler.
For a simple version, combine sliced peaches with a little sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Place the mixture in a baking dish and top it with a simple biscuit-style or cake-style topping. Bake until the peaches are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic summer dessert.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Peach
When shopping for fresh peaches, don’t rely solely on color. Look for fruit that has a pleasant peach aroma and gives slightly when gently pressed. A very hard peach may need additional time to ripen.
If the peaches aren’t quite ready, allow them to ripen at room temperature. Once they’re ripe, placing them in the refrigerator can help slow the process and extend their freshness.
Be gentle when handling ripe peaches because they bruise easily.
Celebrate National Peach Day
National Peach Day is the perfect excuse to pick up a few peaches and get creative in the kitchen. Eat one fresh, add them to breakfast, toss them on the grill or turn them into a homemade dessert.
National Peach Day is a sweet reminder to make the most of one of summer’s freshest flavors.
