How to Pick, Ripen, and Enjoy Fresh Peaches: The Complete Guide

Learn how to pick, ripen, and enjoy fresh peaches with this complete guide, including tips for selecting ripe fruit, storing peaches properly, and delicious ways to eat, bake, and preserve them.

Picking vine-ripened peaches or buying fresh peaches from local farmers markets and CSAs (community supported agriculture) is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce, but these peaches are often firmer than store-bought ones. If you’re wondering how to ripen peaches at home, you’re in the right place! Freshly picked peaches continue to ripen after picking, and by following a few simple steps, you can ensure they are perfectly ripe, juicy, and ready to eat

How to Pick the Best Fresh Peaches

Whether you’re picking peaches from your own tree or buying them at a farmers market, knowing how to choose perfectly ripe peaches will ensure the best flavor. Here’s are some tips on what to look for when picking fresh peaches and how to tell if they’re ready to harvest! 💡 Pro Tip: Pick peaches early in the day, before full sun, when it’s cooler to preserve their juiciness and flavor.

Check the Color

• Ripe peaches develop a deep yellow or orange-red hue without any green tones
• The color will be evenly spread around the fruit, especially on the side that gets the most sun

Gently Squeeze for Ripeness

• Lightly press the peach with your fingers; it should give slightly but not be too soft

Smell the Peach

• A sweet, fruity aroma is a great indicator that a peach is ripe

Twist when Picking, Don’t Pull

• Once you’ve found a ripe peach to pick, gently cradle the peach in your hand and twist in a circular motion until the peach releases from the stem

How To Wash and Ripen Freshly Picked Peaches

Step 1: Gently Wash The Peaches

• Peaches are very delicate and can bruise easily, which is why proper handling is important before you begin the ripening process
• Be very careful when washing, as excess moisture can sometimes cause them to spoil
• Use cold water and be quick—there’s no need to soak them for an extended period

Step 2: Let The Peaches Ripen

• Lay a towel out on a flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, and place the peaches stem-side down. Do not stack the peaches—giving them space allows for even ripening at room temperature
• If you’re wondering how long peaches take to ripen, it usually takes around 1-3 days depending on the temperature. The warmer the room, the faster your peaches will ripen
• Peaches are ready to eat when they have a strong, sweet aroma and are soft to the touch but not too squishy
• Check peaches daily to make sure they don’t over ripen

Step 3: Don’t Refrigerate Peaches

• If you’re wondering whether you should refrigerate peaches before they ripen, the answer is NO!
• Refrigerating unripe peaches can make them mealy and ruin their texture. Instead, let them ripen naturally before storing them in the fridge
• Once they are soft and juicy, then you can refrigerate them for 1-2 weeks or even freeze peaches after ripening to extend their shelf life

Eating Fresh Peaches

Once your freshly picked peaches are ready, it’s time to start eating or preserving!! While I absolutely love eating a fresh, juicy peach, with the juice dripping down my chin, I love to preserve some for the winter months when I can no longer buy fresh peaches. Linked below are some of the ways I use them in my own home!

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Enjoying Peaches Fresh

• Eat them as a juicy snack
• Add to yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal
• Slice them into fruit salads

Baking with Peaches

• Use firmer peaches for pies, cobblers, and crisps
• Overripe peaches are great for muffins and quick breads
• Roast or grill peaches for a caramelized dessert

Canning and Preserving Peaches

• Make homemade peach conserves with rum or jams
• Can or freeze peaches for long-term storage
• Blend into peach syrup or fruit leather