Difference between revisions of "Eat a Peach"
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| − | Peaches are one of the most widely popular fruits in the world, having moved west from China, where they've been cultivated since 1000 BC, and where brides carry peach blossoms on their wedding days.<ref>http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/fruits/peach-facts.asp</ref> The ancient Romans called them "Persian apples," and peach trees traveled to North American on the ships of Columbus. They're delicious, simple, and widely available. You can learn to choose the ripe ones, and eat them raw or cooked. | + | Peaches are one of the most widely popular fruits in the world, having moved west from China, where they've been cultivated since 1000 BC, and where brides carry peach blossoms on their wedding days.<ref name="rf1">http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/fruits/peach-facts.asp</ref> The ancient Romans called them "Persian apples," and peach trees traveled to North American on the ships of Columbus. They're delicious, simple, and widely available. You can learn to choose the ripe ones, and eat them raw or cooked. |
[[Category:Fruits and Vegetables]] | [[Category:Fruits and Vegetables]] | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Choosing Peaches=== | ===Choosing Peaches=== | ||
| − | #Buy peaches when they're in season. The best peaches are grown locally and picked at their peak of ripeness, when they're just ready to fall from the tree. Depending on where your peaches are coming from, the exact time of that season will vary. In the United States, peaches are traditionally picked during the summer months, but are picked in different places from April to October.<ref>http://www.eatlikenoone.com/when-does-peach-season-begin-and-end.htm</ref> Peach season in the following peach-growing regions are as follows: | + | #Buy peaches when they're in season. The best peaches are grown locally and picked at their peak of ripeness, when they're just ready to fall from the tree. Depending on where your peaches are coming from, the exact time of that season will vary. In the United States, peaches are traditionally picked during the summer months, but are picked in different places from April to October.<ref name="rf2">http://www.eatlikenoone.com/when-does-peach-season-begin-and-end.htm</ref> Peach season in the following peach-growing regions are as follows: |
#*Florida: April-May | #*Florida: April-May | ||
#*California: May-September | #*California: May-September | ||
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#*Don't squeeze peaches to see if they "give." Ripe peaches will give when you press into them, but that will leave a bruise, which will rot quickly. | #*Don't squeeze peaches to see if they "give." Ripe peaches will give when you press into them, but that will leave a bruise, which will rot quickly. | ||
#*Ripe peaches often smell quite strongly at the stem, although some peach varieties will smell more strongly than other varieties. | #*Ripe peaches often smell quite strongly at the stem, although some peach varieties will smell more strongly than other varieties. | ||
| − | #Learn about different varieties of peach. Peaches have been cultivated for almost 3000 years, and there are literally hundreds of peach varietals grown worldwide.<ref>http://www.clemson.edu/extension/peach/video_everything_about_peaches/different_kinds_of_peaches.html</ref> In the west, most peaches grown have yellow-orange flesh, while Asian peaches tend to be white. | + | #Learn about different varieties of peach. Peaches have been cultivated for almost 3000 years, and there are literally hundreds of peach varietals grown worldwide.<ref name="rf3">http://www.clemson.edu/extension/peach/video_everything_about_peaches/different_kinds_of_peaches.html</ref> In the west, most peaches grown have yellow-orange flesh, while Asian peaches tend to be white. |
#*The best peaches to eat? Whatever variety is available locally. Local peaches are often much fresher and juicer, because they're allowed to be more fragile than peaches that need to be engineering for transport. | #*The best peaches to eat? Whatever variety is available locally. Local peaches are often much fresher and juicer, because they're allowed to be more fragile than peaches that need to be engineering for transport. | ||
| − | #*The famous Georgia peach is an "Elberta" variety. Other common commercially grown varieties in the US include the June Lady, Flavorcrest, and the Red Top.<ref>http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=AWHN_Foods&mod=&mid=&id=A2F17B5B60FF47AEACE2F6B3C457B438&tier=2</ref> | + | #*The famous Georgia peach is an "Elberta" variety. Other common commercially grown varieties in the US include the June Lady, Flavorcrest, and the Red Top.<ref name="rf4">http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=AWHN_Foods&mod=&mid=&id=A2F17B5B60FF47AEACE2F6B3C457B438&tier=2</ref> |
| − | #*All peaches are either "clingstone" or "freestone" peaches, depending on whether or not the pit "clings" to the flesh or not. Some hybrid varieties also exist.<ref | + | #*All peaches are either "clingstone" or "freestone" peaches, depending on whether or not the pit "clings" to the flesh or not. Some hybrid varieties also exist.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*"Melting" peaches are typically clingstone, and are most often sold commercially for eating purposes. When ripe, "melting" peaches will be extremely juicy, as if the flesh were melting. "Non-melting" peaches will stay much more firm, and are the peaches typically used in canning. | #*"Melting" peaches are typically clingstone, and are most often sold commercially for eating purposes. When ripe, "melting" peaches will be extremely juicy, as if the flesh were melting. "Non-melting" peaches will stay much more firm, and are the peaches typically used in canning. | ||
| − | #Store peaches properly. When you get some peaches, remove the stems and store them stem-end down, on a fabric that will breathe well to help it ripen some. Linen or cotton napkins work great for ripening peaches.<ref>http://tallcloverfarm.com/74/the-best-way-to-ripen-peaches</ref> Cover the peaches with a thin napkin to keep them ripening. Put them in the refrigerator, loosely packed in a paper bag, or just loose, when the flesh begins to depress slightly and they smell fragrant. | + | #Store peaches properly. When you get some peaches, remove the stems and store them stem-end down, on a fabric that will breathe well to help it ripen some. Linen or cotton napkins work great for ripening peaches.<ref name="rf5">http://tallcloverfarm.com/74/the-best-way-to-ripen-peaches</ref> Cover the peaches with a thin napkin to keep them ripening. Put them in the refrigerator, loosely packed in a paper bag, or just loose, when the flesh begins to depress slightly and they smell fragrant. |
#*Once refrigerated, peaches usually need to be eaten in a few days. They'll become overripe in less than a week. Never store peaches in closed plastic bags, which promote spoilage. | #*Once refrigerated, peaches usually need to be eaten in a few days. They'll become overripe in less than a week. Never store peaches in closed plastic bags, which promote spoilage. | ||
#*If you want to freeze peaches, it's common to [[Blanch Peaches|blanch them quickly]], then remove the skin with a knife and cut into bite-sized peaches. Store in air-tight freezer bags. | #*If you want to freeze peaches, it's common to [[Blanch Peaches|blanch them quickly]], then remove the skin with a knife and cut into bite-sized peaches. Store in air-tight freezer bags. | ||
===Eating Peaches Raw=== | ===Eating Peaches Raw=== | ||
#Rinse the peach before eating. Always rinse your peaches in clean water, rubbing the skin gently with your hands or a vegetable brush, right before you're ready to eat them or prepare them. This helps to remove dirt and bacteria, as well as residual pesticides. | #Rinse the peach before eating. Always rinse your peaches in clean water, rubbing the skin gently with your hands or a vegetable brush, right before you're ready to eat them or prepare them. This helps to remove dirt and bacteria, as well as residual pesticides. | ||
| − | #*Wait to wash your peaches until right before you eat them. Getting them wet before refrigerating can promote spoilage and bacteria growth.<ref>http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09380.html</ref> | + | #*Wait to wash your peaches until right before you eat them. Getting them wet before refrigerating can promote spoilage and bacteria growth.<ref name="rf6">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09380.html</ref> |
| − | #*While it's perfectly fine to eat peach skin, you can remove the skin with a paring knife, if you don't like the texture. While peach skin is high in phytonutrients and fiber, many people aren't a fan of the fuzziness.<ref | + | #*While it's perfectly fine to eat peach skin, you can remove the skin with a paring knife, if you don't like the texture. While peach skin is high in phytonutrients and fiber, many people aren't a fan of the fuzziness.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Eat the peach like an apple. Best way to eat a ripe peach? Just dig right in and get your chin wet. You can eat the whole thing, except the hard pit at the center. | #Eat the peach like an apple. Best way to eat a ripe peach? Just dig right in and get your chin wet. You can eat the whole thing, except the hard pit at the center. | ||
#*Try cutting the peach in half, rotating the knife around the stone in the center, then twisting gently to pull both halves free. Remove the pit easily and eat each half without worrying about biting into something hard. | #*Try cutting the peach in half, rotating the knife around the stone in the center, then twisting gently to pull both halves free. Remove the pit easily and eat each half without worrying about biting into something hard. | ||
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#*Try sprinkling your peach slices with a small pinch of cinnamon or brown sugar for an added little kick. Fresh cream is also an excellent addition. | #*Try sprinkling your peach slices with a small pinch of cinnamon or brown sugar for an added little kick. Fresh cream is also an excellent addition. | ||
#*If you've got an extremely ripe clingstone peach, this can be a little tough to pull off. You may end up smashing the peach and having trouble moving the individual slices if they're clinging to the pit. | #*If you've got an extremely ripe clingstone peach, this can be a little tough to pull off. You may end up smashing the peach and having trouble moving the individual slices if they're clinging to the pit. | ||
| − | #Mix diced peach or slices into yoghurt or cottage cheese. To add a little texture and sweetness to your yoghurt, diced peach is an excellent candidate. Aside from the probiotic properties of the yoghurt, you'll have a fruit high in iron, potassium, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and various phytonutrients.<ref>http://www.gayot.com/lifestyle/health/features/peaches-health-benefits.html</ref> Plus, even better, it just tastes good. | + | #Mix diced peach or slices into yoghurt or cottage cheese. To add a little texture and sweetness to your yoghurt, diced peach is an excellent candidate. Aside from the probiotic properties of the yoghurt, you'll have a fruit high in iron, potassium, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and various phytonutrients.<ref name="rf7">http://www.gayot.com/lifestyle/health/features/peaches-health-benefits.html</ref> Plus, even better, it just tastes good. |
#*Really want to gild the lily? Add some diced peach to a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Too good. | #*Really want to gild the lily? Add some diced peach to a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Too good. | ||
#Add peaches to smoothie mixtures. Smoothies are made better with a little peeled peach, helping to bring sweetness and flavor to your beverage. For a simple breakfast smoothie that involves peaches try this: | #Add peaches to smoothie mixtures. Smoothies are made better with a little peeled peach, helping to bring sweetness and flavor to your beverage. For a simple breakfast smoothie that involves peaches try this: | ||
#*Mix equal parts of peeled peach and milk in the blender, over ice (two cups of each makes for a nice portion). Top with a third as much orange juice and honey, to taste. | #*Mix equal parts of peeled peach and milk in the blender, over ice (two cups of each makes for a nice portion). Top with a third as much orange juice and honey, to taste. | ||
| − | #*Other great additions include yoghurt, banana, strawberry, blueberry, chia seeds, peanut butter, or raw oats.<ref>http://minimalistbaker.com/peach-oat-smoothie/</ref> | + | #*Other great additions include yoghurt, banana, strawberry, blueberry, chia seeds, peanut butter, or raw oats.<ref name="rf8">http://minimalistbaker.com/peach-oat-smoothie/</ref> |
#Use diced peach as a topping. Diced peach can be added to a variety of cereals and other mixtures for a sweet treat. Try a little peach on top of: | #Use diced peach as a topping. Diced peach can be added to a variety of cereals and other mixtures for a sweet treat. Try a little peach on top of: | ||
#*Granola or other breakfast cereal | #*Granola or other breakfast cereal | ||
