When it comes to choosing peaches, it’s easy to be tempted by their vibrant colors and fragrant aroma. However, without the right knowledge, you might end up with sour, mealy fruits. To ensure you get the perfect peach, keep these five expert tips in mind:
1. Observe the Color
While we’re often drawn to peaches with uniform, bright colors, beware of those that look too perfect. Peaches with forced ripening tend to have an evenly red-yellow hue. Naturally ripened peaches, on the other hand, have patches of red and yellow, with some green where sunlight hasn’t reached. Go for the latter as they are sweeter and more flavorful.
2. Check the Stem
The stem of a peach is a great indicator of its freshness and ripeness. The greener the stem, the less ripe the peach. Look for peaches with orange or red stems, as these indicate sweeter, riper fruits. Avoid those that feel too soft, as they are overripe and won’t taste as good.
3. Test for Firmness and Bounce
A good peach should have a nice bounce to it. Squeeze gently; a ripe peach will have a slight give but will mostly feel firm. Overripe or old peaches will leave an indentation when pressed, so avoid those.
4. Examine the Tip of the Peach
When choosing a peach, start by looking at its tip (the bottom part). A protruding tip indicates a male peach, which is generally sweeter and juicier than a female peach with a concave bottom. So, go for the male peaches with pointed, high bottoms.
5. Inspect the Peach Fuzz
A peach’s fuzz, or the fine layer of hair on its skin, is a sign of freshness. The fuzz helps retain moisture and protect the fruit. Fresher peaches tend to have more fuzz, while those with less hair are older and may not taste as good. So, the next time you’re peach shopping, remember to feel the fuzz!