{"id":1053497,"date":"2021-06-22T08:08:55","date_gmt":"2019-06-05T22:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1053497"},"modified":"2024-07-01T12:53:34","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T17:53:34","slug":"are-you-making-this-mistake-with-peaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/are-you-making-this-mistake-with-peaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Ripen an Unripe Peach?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Peaches are the ultimate summer treat! That bright flavor is so worth the sticky hands you'll have. From sweet peach crisp<\/a> to savory peach chipotle ribs<\/a>, peaches can add juicy sweetness to just about any meal.<\/p>\r\n

On the flip side, though, it's downright disappointing to bite into a bad peach. If you've ever had to toss a mealy peach into the compost heap, you've made this mistake before\u2014buying unripe peaches.<\/p>\r\n

We've all been there. You see the display of peaches at the grocery store, and even though they feel a bit too firm, you give in to temptation and hope for the best. Perhaps you gave them a few days on the counter or kept them in a paper bag to help them ripen. The problem is that even though they might soften, you still won't get the satisfaction of a perfectly ripe peach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Problem with Unripe Peaches<\/h2>\r\n

Unlike some other fruits, peaches will not develop a sweet, juicy flavor after they're picked from the tree. (The sticky natural sugar is the reason why fresh peaches make the best desserts<\/a>.) So, once an unripe peach has been picked and transported to a grocery store, it will never live up to your expectations. That unripe peach might also feel hard and stringy or soft and mealy when you bite into it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What to Do with Unripe Peaches<\/h2>\r\n

To soften hard, unripe peaches, put them in a paper bag and leave on the counter for a day. You want the peaches to have a slight give when you squeeze them. If they\u2019re not quite soft yet, give them another 24 hours before you check again. This method works for many fruits that keep ripening<\/a> after harvest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How to Tell If a Peach Is Ripe<\/h2>\r\n

When shopping for peaches, it's best to be a produce snob. First, check out the color: look for bright, vibrant fruits. Then gently feel the peach. If it feels hard like an apple, move on. The peach should feel slightly soft\u2014and already smell amazing.<\/p>\r\n

When it comes to peaches, the good ones are worth the wait. The best place to find ripe peaches is the farmers market<\/a>. They most likely traveled a shorter distance, spent less time in cold storage and spent more time ripening on the tree. Say no to unripe peaches and hold out for the real deal!<\/p>\r\n

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