Peaches are a Perfect Summer Fruit

 

Peaches are a sweet, juicy fruit that tastes the best during the summer months.  Peaches are known for their fuzzy skin!  Peaches have a yellow or white flesh and a pit in the middle.  Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

How to select:

• Smell the fruit.  Peaches have a sweet smell when they are ripe.
• Look for a creamy gold to yellow color.  The red or "blush" of a peach is an indication of the type of peach, now how ripe it is.
• Touch the fruit.  Peaches should be soft to the touch but not mushy.  Do not squeeze the peach as they bruise very easily.

How to store:

• Place firm peaches on the counter at room temperature and they will ripen within a few days.
• Refrigerate ripe peaches and eat within a week of buying them.  Remove from the refrigerator for 1 hour before eating for the best flavor.

How to prepare:

• The skin of the peach is safe to eat! Wash the peach with water before eating.
• To peel a peach, dip into boiling water for 30 seconds and then place in cold water.  The peel will come off easily.
• To keep sliced peaches from getting dark, mix with a small amount of lemon juice.

How to serve:

• Add peaches to low-fat yogurt or top your cereal for added flavor.
• Grill peaches for a fun twist to your summer meals!  Cut the peach in half, remove the pit and place on the grill for 3-5 minutes.
• Use in muffins.  Try our Peach Muffins with Oatmeal Topping!
• For a healthy treat for gatherings, try the Rise and Shine Cobbler that everyone will love!

Peaches can be found at the farmers' market now!  Use your EBT card at the farmers' market to pick up peaches for your family this week!