How to Peel Peaches

At Lane Southern Orchards, we believe that peach season is the best time of the year. With so many delicious recipe options available, peaches are the perfect fruit for sweet or savory dishes. 

As you get ready to enjoy your favorite summertime treat, however, you may notice that the recipe requires you to peel your peaches. While you can leave the peel on your peaches, it may affect the texture or taste of your dish. Here are two easy peach peeling methods to help you save time in the kitchen.

The Blanching Method

The blanching method uses boiling water to help separate the peel from the skin of the peaches. This process is ideal for very ripe peaches that haven't begun to soften. Before blanching your peaches, make sure to thoroughly wash them as their fuzzy skin can easily pick up dirt and other debris.

Before blanching peaches to peel them, boil a large pot of water. If your pot isn't large enough to fit all your peaches at once, work in small batches until each fruit is ready. While the water is boiling, use a sharp knife to score a small shallow "x" at the base of each peach.

After scoring your peaches, fill a large bowl with ice and water and set it aside. Once your peaches are ready and the water in the pot has come to a boil, place the peaches into the pot while making sure they're completely covered. Leave the peaches in the water until you see the score mark begin to peel away on the peel of the peach.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the peaches from the pot and gently place them into the bowl of ice water. Once the peaches have completely cooled, drain the bowl and pat the peaches dry. The peels of your peaches should be loose enough to peel with your fingers or a small painting knife. Freeze your peeled peaches or use them right away in the summer dish of your choice.

Peeling With a Peeler

If you're wondering how you peel a peach without boiling it, we have another peach peeling hack for you. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from your peach. This method is ideal for a firm but still fairly ripe peach. Be careful not to use a very soft or bruised peach with this method, as it will create a juicy puddle that you may not be able to use.

Grab your favorite vegetable peeler to begin the peeling process. Place the vegetable peeler at the stem end of the peach. Press into the peel lightly but firmly while moving downward to the bottom of the peach to remove the peel. Another option is to rotate the peach and remove the peel in one piece, similar to peeling an apple. 

While peeling your peach, be careful not to apply too much pressure. Peaches bruise very easily and require a gentle hand. Repeat the peeling process until you've removed the entire peel from your peach. Enjoy your peach as it is or in your favorite stonefruit recipes. 

Top Uses for Peeled Peaches

Peaches are a versatile fruit that can steal the show or add a hint of sweetness. Some of our favorite uses for peeled peaches include:

Coffee Cup Cobler

Enjoy the sweetness of peaches with the tantalizing spices of cinnamon and nutmeg in this simple single-serve peach cobbler recipe. 

Debra Moody's Microwave Cobbler

If you're craving the summertime sunshine flavors of a peach cobbler but are short on time, try our microwave cobber recipe. 

Baked Chicken With Fresh Peaches

This tasty dish combines the fresh sweetness of peaches with savory spices and will have you and your dinner guests eagerly waiting for you to make this dish again. 

Peach Ice Cream

This refreshing treat tastes like a warm summer day and will linger on your tastebuds long after you've enjoyed your last spoonful. 

Seared Peach Pancakes

Breakfast will be the highlight of any day when you make our seared peach pancakes. 

Strawberry Peach Smoothie

Cool down with this sweet summertime treat. Substitute milk with your favorite dairy substitute for a drink everyone can enjoy. 

Enjoy Georgia Grown Peaches Today!

Make this peach season one to remember when you visit Lane Southern Orchards in Georgia. For all our customers outside of Georgia, we ship our peaches throughout June and July. However you receive your peaches, they'll become the highlight of any dish you create. Place an order or contact us today!