How to Cut a Peach

This tutorial shows a simple method for how to cut a peach by cutting in half, twisting and removing the pit along with tips for buying peach

Follow my easy tutorial on how to cut a peach and discover all the yumminess this luscious fruit brings to recipes. Remember, peaches go both sweet – in baked goods – and savory – in salsas, sides, and main dishes.

A large peach contains 10 percent of your daily hunger-fighting fiber, 20 percent of a day’s vitamin C, and traces of potassium and iron. Plus, its orange color indicates beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A and is thought to boost heart, eye, lung, and brain health. Generally, one peach equals 10 percent of a day’s vitamin A.

HOW TO SELECT RIPE PEACH

Full confession: A vendor once schooled me for squeezing peaches at the farmer’s market. Here are some tips for selecting a ripe peach:

1. Smell the peach. Peaches that give off a pleasant, sweet peachy smell are what you’re looking for.
2. Feel the fruit. If it feels heavy for its size and for your hand, it’s a good indicator that it’s tasty.
3. Press very gently. A ripe peach will have a slight give
4. Avoid peaches with green spots. Peaches need to turn color on the tree to reach peak flavor. And be sure to also avoid peaches with brown spots or bruises which may may they have gone bad.

TWO VARIETY OF PEACH PITS

1. Cling or clingstone peaches. These have a pit, or stone, that actually clings to the fruit and is hard to remove. These are most often used for canned products.
2. Freestone peaches: These have pits that fall away from the fruit much easier. Therefore, markets usually stock freestone peaches. The cutting tutorial below is for the more popular freestrone peaches.

HOW TO CUT UP A PEACH

1. First, hold the peach vertical with the stem upwards and using a sharp paring knife held vertically with the peach, insert the blade carefully until you hit the pit. Now, roll the peach around the blade of the knife ensuring the blade is touching the pit the whole time until you have reached your original cut.
2. Next, put down the knife and hold the peach in the palm of your hands.
3. Then, twist to separate the two segments.
4. At this point, you can pop the pit off with your fingers if the peach is ripe.

If you get a sticky pit, loosen the pit first with a knife and then remove with your fingers.

And finally, slice in the same direction as the peach was halved to your desired thickness.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if my peaches are rock hard?

First, don’t refrigerate them. Always remember, unripe peaches should be left to soften at room temperature. For the quickest softening, put them in a paper bag with an apple whose ethylene gas will speed the process. When fully ripe, peaches can be put in the refrigerator for up to five days.

How do I avoid my peaches turning brown?

Like bananas and apples, peaches oxidize and turn brown when cut. However, they are still totally edible just less visually appealing. To avoid browning, splash fruit with lemon or orange juice, whose vitamin C, will stall the process.

How long do cut peaches last in the refrigerator?

As always, tightly wrap or package your cut produce. Of course, fridge life depends on the fruit’s ripeness when cut, but they should be good for two to three days at least.

Can I freeze cut peaches?

Absolutely, this is an excellent way to preserve peaches. First, cut into slices, and then treat with lemon juice if you like. Secondly, flash freeze on cookie trays, and finally package tightly into freezer-safe storage containers. They will be best used within a year.

Undeniably, a ripe, juicy peach is one of the joys of summer (and early fall!) But unfortunately, the season is short. Take advantage of it while you can and learn how to properly cut a peach!