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You are here: Home / Food / Just Peachy

July 31, 2017

Just Peachy

Basket of peaches

The peach is one of the most prized fruits. Second only in popularity to the apple, the peach has been romanticized since ancient times. Though Ohio is not considered a major peach growing state, peaches are grown in the state and are favorites among its citizens.

A medium sized peach (approximately 3-1/2 oz.) is more than 80% water and contains only 38 calories.  Peaches are a fair source of vitamins A and C.  You can see why peaches make a great healthy snack!

The reddish “blush” on the peach is not a sure sign the peach has been picked at its prime. Instead, look at the undercolor, which should be a deep yellow or creamy white; green indicates immaturity. Peaches should be firm to the touch and never hard. Peaches that are hard and green are immature and will never ripen properly. A mature peach will yield to gentle hand pressure.

The best way to ripen peaches is to place them single layer in a loosely closed paper bag or ripening dish at room temperature for a day or two. Never “stack” peaches as the bottom ones will bruise. Once ripe, peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, do not store unripe peaches in the refrigerator, as it may cause them to turn mealy.

Serving Ideas:

  • One pound of fresh peaches will yield between 2-3 cups of sliced fruit.
  • For a delicious meat accompaniment, try grilled peaches. Roll four peeled fresh peaches in a mixture of 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ginger. Grill until sugar caramelizes.
  • Mash overripe or mealy peaches into a puree that can be used on pancakes, ice cream or in a smoothie.
  • For more recipe ideas, visit the Georgia Peach Council, and the South Carolina Peach Council.

For information on preserving peaches, check out these OSU Extension Factsheets on Ohioline:

  • Basics of Canning Fruit, HYG-5343
  • Freezing Fruits, HYG-5349
  • Salsa: From Garden to Table, HYG-5339
  • Jams, Jellies and Other Fruit Spreads, HYG-5350

 

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WRITTEN BY: Kate Shumaker, MS RD, LD, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County, shumaker.68@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Cheryl Mickley, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Carroll County

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • https://pixabay.com/en/peaches-fruit-farmers-market-fresh-1329026/

SOURCES:

  • Barbara H. Drake. Selecting, Storing and Serving Ohio Peaches, Home Yard and Garden Factsheet 5525. Ohio State University Extension. 1993.

REFERENCES:

  • Georgia Peach Council, gapeaches.org
  • South Carolina Peach Council, scpeach.org

Categories: Food
Tags: fruit, nutrition, peach, peaches

Avatar for Kate Shumaker
Avatar for Kate Shumaker

About Kate Shumaker

Kate Shumaker, MS, RDN, LD, has enjoyed being an Extension Educator for over 15 years. All that time in the garden and kitchen with Mom and Grandma and the years in high school and college spent waitressing and cooking in restaurants have finally paid off! In addition to nutrition, Kate has developed specializations in food safety and food preservation. She is also a registered instructor and proctor of the ServSafe program with the National Restaurant Association.

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