Curious how to ripen peaches? Do you too find yourself picking through the produce section looking for the ripest peaches only to find rock-hard fruit? I hear you. I’ve been that crazy lady rifling through the stone fruit.
Not all of us live in peach-growing areas. And for those of us who purchase peaches at the grocery store, not a road-side stand, well, we’re often faced with choosing the perfect unripened peach from a bushel of unripe peaches.
But that’s not the hard part, the challenge comes in ripening said unripe peaches. And the tender stone fruit can be finicky when it comes to ripening off the vine. So that leaves us with the question, how do you ripen peaches?
How to Ripen Peaches.
There are a few methods for ripening peaches, but here is what I’ve found to be most effective.
The Best Way to Ripen Peaches
If you don’t mind waiting a few days, arrange the peaches, stem-side down, on a cotton kitchen towel and lay another towel over top. Make sure the peaches are out of direct sunlight and not touching each other.
Let peaches sit at room temperature for a few days to a week. You’ll know they’re ripe when they smell peachy and the stem side is slightly flattened from its own weight.
How to Quickly Ripen Peaches
Although not the best method, if you’re short on time, place a few peaches in a paper bag, lightly fold the top down, and let sit at room temperature. Check for ripeness after 24 hours.
How to Store Ripe Peaches
Once your peaches are ripe they’re ready to be eaten! Can’t eat 6 peaches in a day? You can store ripe peaches in the refrigerator until ready to eat, just be sure to eat them within a few days for the best texture and flavor.
How to Use Ripe Peaches
Make the most of ripe peaches with these delicious, flavorful recipes that put peaches front and center!
Peach & Thyme Spritz
I love using ripe peaches in cocktails, particularly this Peach & Thyme Spritz—the perfect summer drink!
Peaches 'n Cream Scones
Bake up a batch of Peaches ‘n Cream Scones for breakfast this week! They're tender, flavorful and drizzled with the most delicious cream cheese frosting.
Simple Summer Salad with Peaches and Burrata
Much like strawberries and apples, peaches are fabulous in salads. I love this herby Simple Summer Salad with Peaches and Burrata.
Lime Shrimp with Grilled Peach Pico
Ripe peaches combine with the flavors of a smoky grill to create a sweet and savory pico that's perfect with grilled shrimp, salmon, chicken or pork. This one is a winner.
Turkey, Peach & Basil Sandwiches
Layer slices of sweet peaches, deli turkey, Manchego, and basil between two hearty pieces of whole-grain bread for a delicious and satisfying summer sandwich.
Peach Almond Galette
This peach galette is the pinnacle of a summer fruit dessert. SO easy to make, gorgeous and absolutely delicious. This is summer at it's best.