To paraphrase the late, great John Lennon: “give peach a chance.” Good advice for August 22nd which is National Eat a Peach Day.
Celebrating Fresh Ontario Peaches
You can buy peaches year-round, but the great thing about August is that right now you can enjoy fresh, locally-grown Ontario peaches. While this fruit is also cultivated in B.C., with a small harvest in Nova Scotia, more than 80 percent of production happens in our province.
Peaches are either semi-freestone, where the flesh partially clings to the pit, or freestone, which separates easily from it. There are many varieties of each – too many to list here – but both are great for eating fresh, or for enjoying in preserves and baking.
What about nectarines, you may ask? One could say they have “alopeachia,” as they are really just peaches without the fuzz. Okay, my attempt at humour is pit-iful.
And let’s skip the science lesson this time, although I will mention that peaches are a good source of fibre, vitamins A and C, niacin and potassium. Just as importantly (some would say more so), Ontario peaches are juicy and delicious. Eat ‘em raw, in jams, or baked in pies and other pastries.
Here are a few peachy recipes you might try:
- Caramel Peach Poutine – no this one doesn’t include gravy!
- Peach Fritters
- Glazed Ontario Peach Pie
Or save the time and effort, and visit our bakery section for a Vince’s Own Peach Pie. Just warm in the oven and serve with a scoop of ice cream melting over its flaky crust.
For a morning treat, blend some peach slices with your favourite ingredients in a smoothie. I know this is “Eat a Peach” not “Drink a Peach” day, but however you celebrate is up to you.
How to Ripen a Fresh Ontario Peach
Of course, a soft ripe peach works best, and to ripen a firm fruit be sure to store in a loosely closed paper bag for a day or two at room temperature. Don’t use plastic, as it traps moisture and can cause your perfect peaches to spoil.
How to Freeze Fresh Peaches
If you buy (or pick) more than you can use, they can be frozen for later. Just peel, slice and remove the pit. Add 1/2-cup (125) ml sugar and 1/4-tsp (1 ml) fruit preservative to 4 cups (1L) of sliced fruit. Pack tightly into plastic containers, leaving 1-inch (2.5-cm) air space at top. Place crumpled wax paper on top and seal tightly. Frozen peaches can be stored for one year. (source: Ontariotenderfruit.ca).
I’d like to wrap this up with a few more peach puns, but my efforts are becoming fruitless. So instead we would like to hear a few of yours. Or perhaps a peach recipe if you’re getting tired of this, and are ready to “impeach” the blogger…
As always, we welcome your questions and feedback. You can leave a comment right here on the site. Or head on over and join in the conversation on Facebook (remember to ‘Like’ the page) and Twitter. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our weekly news delivered right to your inbox (including the blog, our weekly product feature, signup for our Coterie Program, and our recipe of the week), you will find the signup by clicking here.
Until next time,
Neil
