Summertime and fresh peaches go hand in hand. There’s nothing like biting into a ripe peach on a hot summer day. The way your fingers get sticky, the way the juice drips down your chin, plus all those sweet peach recipes? Well, it's enough to make you forget all about the sweltering heat!
Depending on the type of peach and where you live, peach season starts as early as May and ends in September. Though generally speaking, you'll find the ripest peaches in the middle of summer. That doesn't mean you won't be faced with rock-hard peaches at the supermarket in July. Many stores will carry underripe peaches that can sit on the shelf for long periods of time. So, how do you know if a peach is ripe?
Just like with ripening avocados or watermelon, peaches are one of those fruits that can ripen over time. The good news is there’s an easy trick to knowing if a peach is ripe, plus a few other indicators to look for. Then you’ll know your peaches are ripe and ready to eat. So go ahead and buy them—there's nothing else like it! 😋
The Best Way to Know If a Peach Is Ripe
The one trick to tell if a peach is ripe is to give it a gentle squeeze. Peaches that are ready to eat will have a little bit of give when pressed. If it’s firm, the peach will be underripe. But remember, peaches will ripen over time, so you can buy a range of peaches with different firmness to enjoy over a few days. The softer the peach, the more quickly you should eat it!
More Ways to Know If a Peach Is Ripe
If you want a few more indicators to help you choose the right peaches, use your other senses. First, take a sniff. If a peach is ripe, it should have a sweet and fragrant scent. Those without any smell are likely underripe.
Next, look at the skin. The color should be vibrant with shades of yellow, red, and pink. Near the stem, the color should be golden, indicating ripeness. If it’s light yellow or even green, the peach is more likely to be unripe. It’s also best to avoid peaches with skin that’s wrinkled, bruised, or shriveled.
How to Store Peaches
The best way to store peaches will depend on their ripeness. If they're not quite ripe, you can keep them on the counter at room temperature or place them in a paper bag to encourage the ripening process. Just don't refrigerate them if they’re underripe, or you'll wind up with dry, wrinkly peaches. Once ripe, peaches should be eaten right away or stored in the fridge for a couple of days. You can also freeze peaches by cutting them up and flash-freezing them for later use.
