Peaches are a beloved summer fruit, but choosing the perfect one can be a challenge. In 2021, the United States produced 661,890 tons of peaches valued at $624 million, with California leading the nation in production.1
Despite this, fresh peach consumption has dropped from 5.3 pounds per person in 2000 to just 1.94 pounds in 2022.2
Choosing a ripe, juicy peach can be a challenge, but with the help of expert advice from Georgia peach farmers and agricultural researchers, you can learn the secrets to selecting and enjoying this delicious fruit at its peak and become a pro in no time.
The Gentle Squeeze Test
According to Lanier Pearson of Pearson Farm in Fort Valley, Georgia, the key to identifying a ripe peach is a gentle squeeze. “A peach that’s ready to enjoy will be slightly soft to the touch and ‘give’ a little when lightly squeezed,” she says.
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Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can bruise the delicate fruit.(ref)
Dr. Desmond Layne, a peach specialist at Clemson University, explains that as a peach ripens, enzymes break down the cell walls, causing the fruit to soften. A ripe peach should have a slight ‘give’ when gently pressed, similar to a ripe avocado.
Choosing the Right Ripeness
While a perfectly ripe peach is a delicious treat, it’s best to select a mix of ripe and slightly firmer fruits if you don’t plan to eat them all at once. This allows you to enjoy peaches at their peak ripeness over several days rather than feeling pressured to consume them all immediately.
Choose peaches with a range of firmness, from slightly soft to firm, depending on when you plan to eat them. Firmer peaches will ripen over a few days at room temperature, while softer peaches should be eaten within a day or two.
Storing & Ripening at Home
Once you’ve brought your peaches home, store firm fruits on the kitchen counter at room temperature. If you need to speed up the ripening process, place them in a paper bag for 12-24 hours, checking frequently.
When your peaches feel ready to eat, enjoy them fresh or store them in the fridge to maintain their current ripeness. Just be sure to keep them away from ice, which can cause bruising.
Peaches emit ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening. Placing peaches in a paper bag traps the ethylene, hastening the ripening process. Adding an apple or banana to the bag can further speed up ripening, as these fruits also emit ethylene.
Overripe Peaches Still Have Potential
Even if you’ve let your peaches sit out a bit too long, don’t despair. As long as they’re not overly moldy or mushy, you can still use them in baked dishes like cobblers, crisps, or crumbles, where the softened fruit will be a delicious addition.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to select, store, and enjoy the perfect peach every time. So go ahead, take a bite, and savor the sweet, juicy flavors of summer.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.