Everything You Can Do with Peaches: Easy Ideas for Enjoying Summer’s Sweetest Fruit

It’s peach season! Across Canada, locally grown peaches are making their way into markets and kitchens. These little bursts of sunshine are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of them.

First things first: eat a peach

We’ll start with the easiest option: no recipe required. A ripe peach is pretty hard to improve upon.

Slice it and add it to:

• Yogurt and granola
• Oatmeal or overnight oats
• Fruit salad
• Toasted crusty bread with ricotta, goat cheese, cottage cheese or nut butter and a drizzle of honey  
• Your favourite smoothie

Sweet, meet savoury

Peaches might be sweet, but they have a savoury side, too. Pair them with salty cheeses, fresh herbs, tangy dressings and a little heat.

• Peach, tomato and basil salad
  Toss sliced peaches and tomatoes with fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add mozzarella or feta if you have it.

• Peach and feta salad
  Combine sliced peaches, cucumber, feta and fresh herbs with a simple vinaigrette.

• Peach salsa
  Mix diced peaches with tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapeño. Serve with tortilla chips or spoon over grilled chicken or fish.

• Grilled peaches
  Halve peaches, brush lightly with oil and grill until warm and caramelized. Serve alongside grilled vegetables or a green salad.

• When peaches get soft, get creative

Peaches that are too soft for snacking can still be delicious. Cut away any bruised or damaged areas and use the rest in:

• Peach crisp or crumble
• Muffins or quick breads
• Pancakes
• Smoothies
• Sauces and compotes
• Salsas
• Jam or preserves

How to store peaches

If your peaches are still firm, leave them at room temperature until they ripen. Look for a sweet aroma and fruit that gives slightly when gently pressed.  

Once ripe, refrigerate peaches and try to use them within about five days.

Save summer for later

Found a great deal on peaches or simply bought more than you can eat? Freeze them. Wash, pit and slice ripe peaches, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once they're frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Frozen peaches can be used later in smoothies, baking, oatmeal, sauces and desserts, giving you a little taste of summer long after peach season is over.

Want more tips for keeping food longer? Join our free Reducing Food Waste at Home webinar on September 2 from 3 - 4 p.m. ET to learn more about food storage practices can help extend the shelf life of food at home. Register here!  

Want to see what’s in season near you? For a broader overview of Canadian-grown produce, see this guide to what’s in season in August.  

Peaches: Eat one. Grill one. Bake one. Freeze a few.

And if one gets a little too soft, give it another chance.