Welcome to our weekly series where we’ll let you know what fruit and vegetables are market fresh this week, give you handy storage tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce.
Peaches are a popular Summer fruit in Australia, available from October to May, with peak supply in January. They are a versatile snack and can also be used in salads, pies, flans and much more.
Originating in China more than 4000 years ago, this humble fruit comes in clingstone and slipstone varieties. The term clingstone means the flesh of the peach clings to the stone, while slipstone fruit flesh comes away easily. Peaches can have either white or yellow flesh with the yellow variety more common; white-fleshed peaches have a stronger sweeter perfume.
Known for their furry skin, when choosing peaches to buy you should for firm and plump fruit that isn’t bruised and doesn’t have a greenish hue. The fruit should have a strong perfume and yield slightly when gently pressed.
Ripen peaches at room temperature out of direct sunlight, the fruit will turn a rich yellow colour at the stem when ripe. Once ripe, store in an unsealed bag in the fridge for up to three days.
You can freeze peaches whole, sliced or skinned. If you are freezing slices, spread them out in a single player on a baking paper-lined tray and freeze for at least 24 hours. You can then peel them and put them in freezer bags or containers. Frozen peaches can be used for many things, such as baking, smoothies, sauces or serving on ice cream; you can also use them to garnish cocktails or sweeten yoghurt. Peaches can be frozen for up to 10 months.
Peaches are rich in vitamin A and are known to offer protection from lung and oral cancer. They contain vital minerals such as potassium, fluoride and iron; potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure; along with immune-boosting nutrients and anti-oxidants.
Here are three recipes for you to enjoy peaches this week at home:
The ideal salad to take advantage of Spring lamb and Summer peach season with a Greek-style yoghurt dressing, mint and chilli.
Sweet and savoury, melting and full of flavour, these simple slow cooker pork chops with peaches are best served with mashed potatoes.
For a fresh Summer dish, try this delicious Asian salmon and peach salad. A tangy lemongrass, ginger and lime dressing adds to the amazing flavours, while coarsely chopped toasted peanuts add texture and crunch to this delicious dish the family is sure to love.
