What to Do With Extra Peaches

Got a few extra peaches hanging around? Well, you are in luck because we are going to show you everything you can do and make with extra peaches.

Table of Contents

Starting with Peaches: Selection and Storage

When you’re choosing peaches to preserve for later enjoyment, look for ripe peaches that yield slightly to pressure and have a sweet fragrance. Remember that a summer peach shines in its ripeness, so avoid peaches with green hues or that feel too firm. Here’s a quick guide:

Ripeness	Description	Action
Underripe	Firm to touch and lacks fragrance	Store on counter to ripen
Ripe	Yields to gentle pressure, fragrant aroma	Eat soon or prepare for preserving

Once your peaches reach perfect ripeness:

Freezing: Wash, peel, and slice peaches. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping.
Canning: Start with sterilized jars. Blanch peaches, peel, and pack them into jars with a sugar solution before processing.
Storing Fresh: Keep ripe peaches in the crisper drawer of your fridge if you plan to eat them soon.

Handle your peaches gently to prevent bruising, which speeds decay. For maximum flavor, pull them from the fridge a few hours before using. Enjoy the taste of summer all year long!

Sweet Peach Creations

Ripe, juicy peaches are not just for eating out of hand; they’re a versatile ingredient in a variety of sweet creations. Harness the succulence of this beloved fruit to make sumptuous desserts, luscious confections, and refreshing beverages.

Baking Delicious Peach Desserts

Peach Pie & Cobbler: For a classic taste, bake a peach pie with a flaky all-purpose flour crust, a pinch of cinnamon, and plenty of sliced peaches. Feeling rustic? Whip up an easy peach cobbler, letting the fruit’s natural sweetness shine.
Crumbly Delights: Create a peach crumble or crisp by tossing peach slices with sugar and vanilla extract, then topping with a crumbly oat mixture.
Cakes: Imbue a peach pound cake with rich flavors by incorporating peach puree into the batter. Add another layer of peachiness by drizzling with peach-infused icing.

Homemade Peach Confections

Peach Jam & Preserves: Capture the essence of peaches in a homemade peach jam or peach preserves. Bottling up this golden delight ensures you have a taste of summer all year round.
Peach Butter: Simmer peaches down into a velvety peach butter, perfect spread on toast or as a sweet crepe filling.
Saucy Twist: For something savory, try a curried peach sauce. The fusion of sweet peaches with curry spices can accentuate meats or vegetarian dishes.

Refreshing Peach Beverages

Smoothies & Lemonade: Blend a refreshing peach smoothie with Greek yogurt and fresh peaches or stir up a tangy peach lemonade. These drinks offer a blissful respite on a hot day.
Cocktails: Mix up a batch of peach sangria or a peachy cocktail using peach puree. The sweet-tart flavor of peaches blends marvelously with spirits, creating sophisticated sips for any occasion.

Summertime Peach Dishes

Summer is the prime season for peaches, and these versatile fruits are perfect for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. Let’s bring some peachy flair to your table with dishes that complement the warm weather and outdoor cooking vibes.

Grilled and Savory Peach Plates

Grilled Peaches with Barbecue Sauce: Fire up the grill and brush halved peaches with a tangy barbecue sauce, then grill them until they’re caramelized. Serve alongside grilled chicken or pork for a savory summer feast.

Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa: Elevate your pork tenderloin by topping it with a fresh peach salsa. Combine diced peaches with onions, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing twist.

Fresh and Light Peach Salads

Peach Caprese Salad: Slice fresh peaches and layer them with mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This light and fruity take on a classic caprese salad is perfect for hot summer days.

Summer Peach Salad: Toss peach slices with a mix of seasonal fruits like blueberries, cherries, and blackberries. Dress with a light oil and sprinkle with cinnamon to create a delightful and refreshing summer salad.

Innovative Peach Pairings

Peach and Chicken Skewers: Thread cubes of chicken and peach slices onto skewers. Grill until nicely browned and brush with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce for a fun twist on a summer barbecue staple.

Nectarine and Peach Chutney: Combine chopped peaches and nectarines in a saucepan with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and warm spices to create a chutney that’s an excellent complement to grilled meats.

Preserving Peach Flavors

When you find yourself with an abundance of peaches, preserving their summery essence lets you enjoy their sweetness all year round. From canning to freezing, there’s a method to suit your taste and time.

Canning and Jarring Techniques

Canning peaches preserves their flavor and extends their shelf life. Before starting, pick ripe, but firm peaches to ensure the best quality.

Prepare your peaches: Blanch, peel, and slice them.
Sterilize jars and lids: Use boiling water to ensure safety.
Pack your jars: Tightly pack peaches, adding a hot syrup of water and sugar.
Process: Boil your jars to seal them properly.

With these steps, you can enjoy homemade peach jams or create delightful pickled peaches.

Freezing for Future Use

Freezing peaches is a quick way to lock in flavor and nutrients, and it’s perfect for overripe fruits.

Peel and slice your peaches, removing any blemishes.
Prevent browning: Toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water.
Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags once solid.

Frozen peaches are excellent for smoothies, peach ice cream, or thawing for recipes throughout the year.

Peach Sweets Reimagined

Get creative with peach recipes to savor the joy of summer.

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake: Combine frozen peach slices with a simple cake batter and bake until golden.
Peach Galette: A rustic tart with fresh peach slices, sugar, and a buttery crust.
Peach Jellies: Cook down peaches with sugar and pectin, then set to make chewy treats.

Each of these desserts offers a unique twist on traditional peach sweets, providing a delicious way to enjoy your preserved peaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peach season brings plenty of fruit and the opportunity for delicious creations. Here’s how to use those extra peaches to whip up homemade treats and preserve their summer flavor all year round.

How do I make peach jam from fresh peaches?

Making peach jam is a tasty way to savor your peaches. Start by mashing the fresh peaches; then simmer with sugar and lemon juice until thick. Simple and flavorful, your homemade jam will brighten any breakfast.

What’s a simple recipe for peach cobbler?

To create a mouthwatering peach cobbler, toss sliced peaches with sugar and spices and top with a dollop of biscuit dough. Bake until golden for a dessert that sings of summer.

Can you suggest a peach crisp recipe?

For a quick and easy peach crisp, combine your peaches with sugar and cinnamon, then top with an oat and almond mixture. Bake until bubbly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How do I prepare peach chutney?

Peach chutney can add zing to any meal. Simmer chopped peaches with onion, raisins, sugar, vinegar, and spices until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency. It’s a perfect pairing with grilled meats or as a vibrant condiment.

Could you provide some unusual recipes that include peaches?

For something unique, try peaches in savory dishes like peach salsa or peach glazed pork chops. You can even grill peaches for a smoky twist or add them to a refreshing summer salad with basil and mozzarella.

What are the different ways to preserve peaches?

Preserve your peaches by canning, freezing, or drying. Canning in syrup keeps them sweet and plump, while freezing offers a quick solution. Drying peaches concentrates their flavor and provides a chewy snack. Each method keeps the essence of summer at your fingertips.