4 Ways to Enjoy Your Peaches + Peach Storage and Preservation Tips.

It’s likes peaches are natures last kiss of summer.  There really isn’t much that beats the sweetness of a peach enjoyed straight from the tree.  So no argument here, the best way to enjoy a peach is straight from the tree!  But…we have found 4 amazing recipes where the peach is still the star of the show.  So get ready because you are going to want to try all of these!  Before we get into the recipes, here are a couple of tips on how to best store and preserve these summer sweets!

S T O R A G E

When you get your peaches home, rather than storing the peaches on the counter, where fruit flies will think you threw a party just for them, store the peaches outside, out of the sun or on a shelf in your basement.

Be sure to not stack your peaches as these little guys are sensitive to bruising.  Single layers in a box is the way to go when storing your peaches.

P R E S E R V A T I O N

Not one to can your peaches?  Peel ’em, slice ’em and freeze ’em.  What better way to combat the bitter cold of winter than with summer fresh peaches in your oatmeal, cobbler or morning smoothie.

Another way to extend the life of your summer peaches is to dehydrate them with a food dehydrator.  The Spruce has a simple and tasty method that can be found here.

R E C I P E S

Here are 4 amazing recipes that will highlight the sweetness of the peach 4 different ways.  My personal favorite is the Peach Salsa, but the Bourbon Peach Slushy is a VERY close second.

Peach Salsa

recipe+photo credit Dinner at the Zoo

This recipe for peach salsa is the ultimate summer condiment. Juicy ripe peaches, herbs, and a bit of jalapeno creates a sweet and spicy salsa that’s perfect with chips, on fish or chicken, or even on a sandwich!

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 63 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups of peaches diced

• 1/4 cup minced red onion

• 2 teaspoons minced jalapeno remove ribs and seeds before mincing to reduce the heat level

• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

• the juice of one lime or more to taste

• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Serve with chips or use as a condiment for chicken or fish.

One Skillet Peach Glazed Chicken

Recipe+Photo credit The Seasoned Mom

Prep 5 mins

Cook 30 mins

Total 35 mins

Author The Seasoned Mom

Yield 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil, divided

• 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion

• ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

• 1/3 cup coconut palm sugar (or can substitute with brown sugar)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (I used one teaspoon each of wholegrain mustard and smooth Dijon)

• ½ teaspoon salt, divided

• 3 medium ripe peaches, pitted and chopped

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat. Sprinkle chicken with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan and cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

2. Do not clean out the skillet, but add another 1 ½ teaspoons oil. Add onion and rosemary; cook for 1 minute or until lightly golden, scraping up the bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir. Add coconut palm sugar, vinegar, mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and peaches; cook 12 minutes or until peaches are softened.

3. Return chicken to the skillet and heat just until warm, spooning sauce over the meat.

4. Serve chicken thighs with peach sauce.

Homemade Peach Jam (no pectin recipe)

Recipe+Photo credit Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Ingredients:

1. 3 1/2 pounds peaches (1 lb = 3 to 4 medium peaches), peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks

2. 2 1/2 cups sugar (remember, you can start with less sugar and add more if needed)

3. Juice from one lemon (Lemon juice is naturally high in pectin and will help the jam set.)

Directions:

1. Add peaches and lemon juice to medium sauce pan.  Bring to boil over med high heat, using a spatula or masher to crush peaches to desired consistency.

2. Reduce heat to medium.  Add sugar.  Bring peaches back to a boil, stirring frequently.

3. Continue to boil and stir, until peaches reduce and reach desired consistency.  (Anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes – jam should stick to spoon when lifted and turned sideways.)

Bourbon Peach Slush

Recipe+Photo credit Recipe Runner

• 3 cups frozen peaches

• 1 cup ginger ale

• 4-6 ounces of bourbon, depending on how strong you want your drinks

• Juice of a lime

• 1 tablespoon of sugar, more if you want it sweeter

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Serve immediately.

Cheers to the sweetness of Summer that can be found in just about any peach!