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Florida peaches bring sweet springtime treat
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Floridians can expect the first crop of locally-grown peaches to appear in stores soon – three months ahead of their neighboring Georgia cousins. Several new varieties, developed by University of Florida researchers, with cooperation from Florida’s growers, will hit Central Florida grocery stores in just a few weeks. Look for names like “Florida Prince,” “Tropic Beauty,” “UF Sun” and “Flordago.”
Florida Peach Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Fancy equipment: Ice cream maker
Serves: 6 - 8
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 1 - 2 hours
Freeze time: 6 hours or per manufacturer's directions
Ingredients:
6 Florida peaches, any variety
1/2 Cup peach nectar (available in the juice aisle)
3 Cups heavy cream
2/3 Cup organic sugar
1 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 Vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped
Directions:
Remove the skin and pit from each peach and roughly chop. Place peaches into a food processor and pulse 8 – 10 times. Add the peach nectar and puree until just smooth.
Heat the cream, sugar, vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds in a sauce pan on low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Transfer heated cream to a large glass bowl, and add the peach puree. Mix until well incorporated.
Chill for one to two hours and then transfer to an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Neat things you should know:
- It took 45 years to develop the Florida peach
- Peaches originated in China.
- In Chinese folklore peaches are associated with magical taoism, with luck and immortality.
- The peach tree belongs to the rose family. Early peaches were tart, extremely small, very fuzzy, and boasted more pit than edible fruit.
- Momotar is a popular hero from Japanese folklore whose name, literally translated, means "peach boy."
Dawn Viola is a nationally recognized artist, competitive cook and food writer. Follow her blog, Wicked Good Dinner, or onTwitter.
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