As Summer begins to sweep across Australia, orchards come alive with the golden blush of ripe peaches. Juicy, fragrant and bursting with sweetness, these beloved stone fruit signal the start of warm days and alfresco dining. Whether enjoyed fresh, grilled, baked into desserts, or blended into cool drinks, peaches bring a sunny, nostalgic flavour to the table.
Understanding how to choose, store and even preserve peaches will help you savour their sweetness long after the season fades.
Choosing the Best Peaches
When shopping for peaches, look for fruit with vibrant colour - deep yellow or orange hues with a gentle red blush. A ripe peach should feel slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, with a sweet aroma that’s impossible to miss. Avoid fruit with green patches near the stem, as this indicates it was picked too early and may lack flavour.
Freestone varieties (where the pit separates easily) are ideal for slicing and baking, while clingstone peaches (where the flesh clings to the pit) are wonderfully juicy and perfect for eating fresh.
To test ripeness, give the peach a gentle squeeze - it should yield slightly without bruising.
Storing for Freshness
Peaches are delicate and continue to ripen after harvest. If they’re firm, leave them at room temperature for a day or two until fragrant and soft. Once ripe, store peaches in the fridge to slow the ripening process - ideally in a single layer to prevent bruising.
Before eating, allow refrigerated peaches to come back to room temperature for the best flavour and juiciness. Avoid stacking them or placing them in sealed plastic bags, as this traps moisture and causes spoilage.
Preserving Summer’s Sweetness
To enjoy peaches year-round, try freezing or making preserves.
For freezing, peel and slice ripe peaches, removing the stone. Toss slices in lemon juice to prevent browning, then spread them on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags - perfect for smoothies, baking or compotes later in the year.
Alternatively, make homemade peach jam or chutney - preserving their bright, Summery sweetness to enjoy even in the depths of Winter.
Health Benefits Worth Noting
Beyond their irresistible flavour, peaches are packed with nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, both powerful antioxidants that support skin health and immunity. Peaches also provide dietary fibre, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels.
Low in calories but high in hydration, peaches are the perfect Summer fruit - refreshing, nourishing and naturally sweet.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season peaches on the dinner table this week:
Lamb, spice and peaches create a perfect harmony of flavour — tender, savoury meat balanced by the fruit’s natural sweetness and subtle acidity. Warm spices like cumin, cinnamon or chilli deepen the dish, enhancing the caramelised richness of lamb while the juicy peach adds brightness, fragrance and a touch of Summer freshness.
Blackened salmon and peaches strike a beautiful balance between heat and sweetness. The smoky, spiced crust of the salmon enhances the peach’s juicy freshness, while the fruit’s natural sugars mellow the spice. Together, they create a vibrant contrast - rich, caramelised fish lifted by bright, summery bursts of sweetness and acidity.
BBQ chicken, peaches and lime crema unite smoky, sweet and tangy elements in perfect harmony. The charred, savoury chicken pairs beautifully with caramelised peaches, their juicy sweetness adding balance and brightness. A drizzle of zesty lime crema ties it all together, cutting through the richness with refreshing, citrus-kissed creaminess.
