{"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 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 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 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 \t\t\t There is nothing better than biting into a ripe, juicy peach. But this mistake could leave you with a tough, stringy bite.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7006,"featured_media":1672948,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[303838,303797],"categories-v2":[308448,308432],"coauthors":[98743],"acf":{"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_moat_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"long_pin_file":false},"yoast_head":"\n Go to Recipe<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Problem with Unripe Peaches<\/h2>\r\n
What to Do with Unripe Peaches<\/h2>\r\n
How to Tell If a Peach Is Ripe<\/h2>\r\n
<\/a><\/div>Spiced Peach Puffs<\/a>We always made cream puffs for special occasions when I was growing up in our family of seven. Sometimes we used a custard filling, but this version with whipped cream and peaches is the best. \u2014Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario\r\n\r\n
<\/a><\/div>Peach Pound Cake<\/a>Our state grows excellent peaches, and this is one recipe I'm quick to pull out when they are in season. It's a tender, moist peach pound cake that receives rave reviews wherever I take it. \u2014Betty Jean Gosnell, Inman, South Carolina
<\/a><\/div>Peach Blueberry Cobbler<\/a>Everyone loves a peach blueberry cobbler. This one is the perfect, scrumptious treat! If you're taking it to a party, you might want to make another one for yourself. There won't be leftovers! \u2014Laura Jansen, Battle Creek, Michigan
<\/a><\/div>Peach Caprese Salad<\/a>During summer, I like to use the fresh ingredients I receive weekly from my local food share, and that's how I created this peach Caprese salad. I use large balls of mozzarella torn into pieces, but you could use smaller mozzarella pearls. \u2014Mounir Echariti, Mendham, New Jersey
<\/a><\/div>Lime & Spice Peach Cobbler<\/a>This was my grandmother\u2019s favorite recipe to make when they had bushels of peaches. Now I love to bake it whenever I can for my family and friends. \u2014Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Golden Beet and Peach Soup with Tarragon<\/a>One summer we had a bumper crop of peaches from our two trees, so I had fun experimenting with different recipes. After seeing a beet soup recipe in a cookbook, I changed it a bit to include our homegrown golden beets and sweet peaches. \u2014Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
<\/a><\/div>Peach Tart<\/a>This peach tart features a delicious filling of ripe, juicy fruits, and a crumbly and buttery crust. Enjoy a slice topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
<\/a><\/div>Peach-Blueberry Crumble Tart<\/a>This easy-to-prepare tart is a family favorite, fresh out of the oven or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. \u2014James Schend<\/a>, Culinary Deputy Editor, Taste Recipes<\/i>
<\/a><\/div>Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa<\/a>This super fresh dinner is pure summer\u2014juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. \u2014Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
<\/a><\/div>Peach Jam<\/a>Our peach jam recipe isn't your ordinary single-flavor jam! This tasty treat has the infused flavors of brown sugar and bourbon or vanilla to further enhance its peachiness. It's an excellent recipe to try for that wonderful moment in time when peaches are abundant, juicy and practically begging to be whipped up into something delicious.
<\/a><\/div>Peach Cobbler Dump Cake<\/a>Homemade peach cobbler dump cake uses shortcut ingredients\u2014canned peaches and a cake mix\u2014to deliver a cozy, tender cake that's impossible to serve without a scoop of ice cream.
<\/a><\/div>Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa<\/a>Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. As a treat, I give my coworkers several jars throughout the year. \u2014Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
<\/a><\/div>Peach Bruschetta<\/a>As a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors. \u2014Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California
<\/a><\/div>Peach Crumble<\/a>For an outstanding peach crumble, use the ripest, most juicy peaches you can find. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
<\/a><\/div>Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin<\/a>I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. \u2014Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont\r\n
<\/a><\/div>Baked Peach Pancake<\/a>This dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it right from the oven to the table, fill it with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best cook I know) asks me to make this. \u2014Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey
<\/a><\/div>Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa<\/a>I love this recipe because of the depth of flavors and burst of colors. It's quick and easy to make. It's best when peaches are in season, but you could try strawberries or pineapple instead. \u2014Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
<\/a><\/div>Peach Blueberry Pie<\/a>Bursting with fruit flavor and a flaky, double crust with a lattice top, this peach blueberry pie is the quintessential pie of summer. In the off season, simply sub in frozen fruit for fresh, and enjoy!
<\/a><\/div>Northwest Salmon Salad<\/a>I love that I can use my favorite Northwest ingredients\u2014salmon, blueberries and hazelnuts\u2014all in one recipe. The salmon \r\nand dressing make a tasty sandwich too. \u2014Davis Clevenger, Dexter, Oregon
<\/a><\/div>Peach Smoothie<\/a>The best things in life really can be the simplest. This peach smoothie uses just a few ingredients but tastes complex and delicious.
<\/a><\/div>Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad<\/a>Sure, you have a macaroni salad recipe, but do you have a chicken macaroni salad? This one's filled with bright, fresh flavors, and it's hearty enough to stand on its own as a light meal.
<\/a><\/div>Cucumber Fruit Salsa<\/a>Our garden always gives us way more cucumbers and tomatoes than we know what to do with. But we\u2019ve learned how to handle the unexpected with a surprise of our own. This is our pretty, fresh way to use up the bounty. \u2014Anna Davis, Springfield, Missouri
<\/a><\/div>Pickled Peaches<\/a>A soft, sweet peach tastes like Southern summer, but with this recipe for pickled peaches, you can savor the moment for months to come and introduce some spicy, sour flavors too.
<\/a><\/div>Kuchen<\/a>This German kuchen recipe is a wonderful, warm dessert that combines the best of cake and pie into one dish. The fruit in a layer of custard, poured over a thin cake and covered with cinnamon-flavored streusel, is tasty and comforting.
<\/a><\/div>Peach Ice Cream<\/a>Enjoy the sweet, fresh flavors of peaches in this contest-winning peach ice cream. Ideal for hot summer days, it\u2019s a refreshing treat the whole family will love.
<\/a><\/div>Peach Upside-Down Cake<\/a>Get ready to flip for this peach upside-down cake! It's easier than you think to prepare, and when it's finished it will look just as good as you'd hoped.
<\/a><\/div>Golden Summer Peach Gazpacho<\/a>Because peaches and tomatoes are in season at the same time, I like to blend them into a cool, delicious soup. Leftovers keep well in the fridge\u2014but they rarely last long enough to get there. \u2014Julie Hession, Las Vegas, Nevada
<\/a><\/div>Raspberry Peach Puff Pancake<\/a>Here's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals. \u2014Taste Recipes<\/em> Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
<\/a><\/div>Raspberry Peach Jam<\/a>When my jam won a first-place pink ribbon at our local county fair, I was overjoyed but it's not the highest compliment that recipe has received. Two girlfriends that I share it with tell me if they don't hide the jam from their husbands and children, they'll devour an entire jarful at just a sitting! \u2014Patricia Larsen, Leslieville, Alberta
<\/a><\/div>Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit<\/a>One summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. \u2014Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
<\/a><\/div>Raspberry Peach Tart<\/a>There\u2019s no shortage of fresh peaches and raspberries where I live. I use the fruit I grow to bake up this sweet and special fruit tart.\u2014 Mary Ann Rempel, Southold, New York
<\/a><\/div>Peaches & Cream Jelly Roll<\/a>Cake rolls make a lovely presentation for a party, and they are simple to cut into even slices. My father taught me how to make them, and sometimes we get together and make them for family and friends. \u2014Malena Coleman, Rockville, Indiana
<\/a><\/div>Makeover Turkey Burgers with Peach Mayo<\/a>The unique fruit and mayo combination puts this burger over the top. You can also substitute nectarines for the peaches. They're both delicious! \u2014Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad<\/a><\/h2>\r\nThis hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge\u2014and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate \"tastes like summer\" salad booster. \u2014Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas\r\n
<\/a><\/div>
Spiced Peach Puffs<\/a><\/h2>We always made cream puffs for special occasions when I was growing up in our family of seven. Sometimes we used a custard filling, but this version with whipped cream and peaches is the best. \u2014Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario\r\n\r\n
<\/a><\/div>
Peach Pound Cake<\/a><\/h2>Our state grows excellent peaches, and this is one recipe I'm quick to pull out when they are in season. It's a tender, moist peach pound cake that receives rave reviews wherever I take it. \u2014Betty Jean Gosnell, Inman, South Carolina