Nothing tastes as sweet as a perfectly ripe peach as the last stretch of the summer season comes to an end. But if you're not into peach fuzz or need peaches for recipes like cobbler, homemade ice cream, or peach pie, it can be tricky to know how to peel a peach. Luckily, we've rounded up some easy methods to share with you. How a-peel-ing! Read on for our best tips for how to peel peaches. We promise it's not the pits.
Method #1: No Knife Necessary
Our first method ensures that there's no waste of peach from the knife taking too much flesh with the skin. Extra bonus? There's no risk of accidentally cutting yourself either. Consider us on board.
What You'll Need
- peaches
- large pot
- mixing bowl
- ice
- water
- slotted spoon
Instructions
Step #1: Prep Step
Fill a large pot a little over halfway with water. Heat on high until it reaches a full, rolling boil. While it's warming, fill a large bowl with ice and water for an ice bath. If necessary, remove leaves and stems from peaches.
Step #2: They See Me Rollin'
Place a few peaches at a time into the rolling boiling water. Leave for 30 seconds. Do not worry if the water stops boiling. Pro tip: we recommend putting in only a few peaches rather than filling the pot, so the pot doesn't get overcrowded.
Step #3: Ice Ice Baby
Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop peaches out of hot water and place immediately in the prepared ice bath. This is to stop the cooking process. Leave for about ten seconds, then remove.
Step #4: A-Peel-Ing
Now that your peaches have been heated up then cooled down, it's time to peel them. To do so, simply rub the skin so it separates from the flesh. Repeat until the peach is completely bare, then set aside for your next culinary task. Repeat these steps for each batch of peaches.
Method #2: X Marks The Spot
Our next method is especially helpful for unripe peaches, which shine in canning, infusions, and sangria just to name a few. It's a simple way to get to the good stuff.
What You'll Need
- water
- peaches
- paring knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowl
- ice
- slotted spoon
- large pot
Instructions
Step #1: Prep Step
Fill a large pot with water, about halfway. Heat until boiling. Meanwhile, using a paring knife, gently slice a small "X" onto the bottom of the peach. You want to pierce the skin but not cut deep into the flesh of the peach. Next, fill a bowl with ice and water to create an ice bath.
Step #2: Boil Away
Once water reaches a full, rolling boil, place peaches in and leave for a full minute. Then, remove with slotted spoon to the ice bath and leave until peach is cool enough to handle, about 15 seconds or so.
Step #3: Peel Time
Pat peach dry, then carefully remove the softened skin using your paring knife. Poke into the X, get ahold of skin with the knife, and pull away. If you're more comfortable using your fingers for this step, that is also acceptable.
Method #3: Four Quarters
Our last method is especially helpful when you want to peel a peach for a salad. Enjoy this easy peasy and quick way to prep your peaches!
What You'll Need
- peaches
- paring knife
- cutting board
Instructions
Step #1: Knife Work
Using a paring knife, carefully pierce the skin at the top of your peach. Move downwards in a straight line with a knife until you reach the bottom of the peach, rotating the peach in your hand as you go. Be sure not to cut into the produce too deeply, you just need to knick it so the skin is cut.
Step #2: Practice Makes Perfect
Repeat step one three more times, so the peach ends up evenly broken into four sections.
Step #3: Recipe For Success
Finally, using your hands, grasp one section of peel at the top of the peach. Pull downwards to the other end of the fruit until it's removed. Repeat with other three sections of the peach.
It's The Pits
Now that you're comfortable peeling peaches in a multitude of ways, what to do with that pesky pit? We're happy to share a few helpful tips for safely removing peach pits.
- Much like an avocado, you can run a small paring knife from the top to bottom of the peach. It's easy to use the normal peach indentation as a guide to this.
- It's best to keep the blade up against the center seed the whole time. Then, gently twist the two halves in opposite directions. You should be able to pull the peach apart so you can see the pit.
- Either the pit will come out easily with your hands alone, or you can use a spoon to pop it out from the center.
- To prevent discoloration, sprinkle some freshly-squeezed lemon juice around the area where the pit was removed.
We hope you find our ultimate guide to peeling and pitting peaches helpful for all your upcoming culinary conquests. We think it's peachy-keen!
