Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Peaches

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Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Peaches

By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen

It’s peach season! Enjoy the season, the history of the fruit and the recipes for a juicy summer.

History:

Peaches originated in China and are mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as the 10th Century BC.
The peach was brought to America by Spanish explorers.
In Queen Victoria’s day, no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a beautifully stitched cotton napkin.
Various American Indian tribes are credited with migrating the peach tree across the United States, planting seeds as they roved the country.
Thomas Jefferson had peach trees at Monticello, but US farmers did not begin commercial production until the 19th Century.
Today, peaches are the second largest commercial fruit crop in the US, second to the apple.

Nutritional Facts:

Peaches contain good amounts of potassium and vitamins C and A.
Aid in the stimulation of digestion and add color to the complexion.

Selection and Storage:

Choose peaches that are firm to the touch, but will give a little with gentle pressure.
The fruits should be free of bruises and have a fragrant peach aroma.
A mature peach will have a well defined cleft.
Although peaches will continue to ripen after being picked, the sugar production ceases once picked.
Under ripe peaches can be ripened somewhat by placing them in a paper bag punched with holes at room temperature away from sunlight.
Refrigeration will extend the peach’s life, but not more than a day. Peaches need humidity, so refrigerate in a plastic bag and use within a couple of days.

Cooking:

Although the fuzzy skin is edible, it becomes tough when cooked. Remove the skin by marking an X at the end of the peach with a sharp knife. Blanch in boiling water for one minute and plunge immediately into cold water to stop the cooking process. The skin should peel right off.
The stone will give off a bitter flavor. Be sure to remove it before canning or freezing peaches.

Paula’s Favorite Peach Recipes:
1. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
2. Peach Cobbler
3. Peach Cream Tart
4. Peach Ice Cream
5. Grilled Peach Halves with a Peach Pecan Dressing
6. Grilled Peach Salad
7. Peach Pecan Iceberg Wedges
8. Paula’s Three P’s Salad
9. Grilled Tilapia with Peach BBQ Sauce
10.The Lady’s Peach Shortcake
11.Peach Ice Cubes
12.Suzie’s Peach Pickles
13.Peach Cheesecake
14.Peach Smoothie
15.Peach Glazed Ham with Peach Corn Relish
16.Frozen Peach Pie Filling
17.Sweetened Tea with Simple Syrup
18.Hot Curried Fruit
19.Peaches and Cream Muffins
20.Cousin Johnnie’s White Sangria with Peaches

Read More From Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables.

Reader Comments:

I love your peach recipes but am also looking for the way to can peaches as my significant other just loves home canned peaches. we make trips every summer to eastern washington just for the juicy peaches but he would love to have them thru the winter. thanks paula, kathy butters

By kathy butters on August 13, 2012

Printed off a two layer strawberry cake from here a few weeks ago, and made it on Sunday. DELICIOUS!!! I’ve tried several of Paula’s recipes and I’ve never been disappointed!!

By Sheryl McGuire on August 23, 2010

I had a stroke and my hubby does all the cooking (he does pretty good). While cooking pot roast is taste bland. I suggested putting a can of Cream of Mushroom soup at it. AT TASTE WONDERFUL! Hubby are I were a good pair. (I sorry - I can’t type very but a am trying!)

By Judy C on August 21, 2010

Paula is awesome!!!!! Love all the recipes except maybe the peach pickles, but will try them before I make a decision! Thanks for the new ideas!

By Denise Lackey on August 20, 2010

I try all of Paula’s recipes.

By Blanch Mahon on August 20, 2010

Pauladeen.com

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Peaches