Peaches are a wonderful summer fruit. Here in Phoenix, our season begins in May, so we can enjoy the delicious treat early. Peaches are very healthy for you. One large peach has about 68 calories and about 3 grams of fiber. Peaches are low on the glycemic index (42) which makes it the perfect treat for diabetics. Peaches are a good source of antioxidants and contain carotenoids. These carotenoids help protect eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. They also have diuretic properties; perfect for days when we are ‘puffy and bloated'.
There are two basic types of peaches; clingstone and freestone. The biggest difference is in the peach pit. For clingstone peaches, the flesh ‘clings' to the pit. For freestone peaches, the flesh can be loosened from the pit very easily. The fresh peaches we purchase at the grocery store are usually freestone.
Want to select the best peach? Contrary to popular opinion, the blush of the skin does not determine the perfect peach. Look at the area close to the stems. If the color is green, it may have been picked too early to ever ripen properly. If it's creamy, it's probably going to be delicious.
Peaches can bruise easily. To ripen them, store peaches in a single layer in paper bags. Piling them up will cause them to be bruised. They may also be stored in the fridge if they are already ripe.
To pick your own peaches in the Phoenix area, check out Schnepf Farms. Don't have a great peach pie recipe? You do now, with Carrie Schnepf's peach pie recipe. You can also try our peaches with tequila recipe, too, for a different way to serve peaches. If you still have not had your fill of peaches, why not serve them with your main dishes. Chef Eddie Matney was kind enough to provide us his recipe for Moroccan seared halibut with peache and jicama fresca.
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