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The Kitchen Table Cooking

How 2 Select Ripe Peaches

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10

2 years ago

Saw this and will be testing it out soon, I think. I prefer nectarines, but I'm guessing it may work the same way...

Brown vs. Green Stem Rule

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/peaches-green-stem-rule-37414468

Featured Answer

porkchop_z5b_MI

2 years ago

Smell is the best indicator of ripeness, as is softness -- but not too soft or it will be over-ripe. Peaches from the grocery usually aren't ripe yet but they will ripen on the counter. I always pick ones that have a big of give with a gentle squeeze -- that tricks works well for me, rock hard and they won't ripen well but a touch of softness and they'll be just fine. Not as good as tree-ripened, but they'll do just fine.

I didn't get a single peach off either of my two peach trees this year. Sigh...

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Comments (10)

chloebud
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Carol, I got the same article in an email recently from (I think) thekitchn.com. It likely can work the same way for nectarines. IDK, my own experience with peaches is what seems to look and smell right can sometimes still be iffy. Our peach tree at a prior home was pretty reliable but finally died. This time of year we have good luck with peaches sold in flats from TJ’s.

ETA - It was from The Kitchn…

https://www.thekitchn.com/peaches-green-stem-rule-23671026
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 thanked chloebud
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
Original Author
2 years ago
The best nectarines I've been buying are from Target - organic in 2# bags - around $2.50/#. They have organic peaches too.
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plllog
2 years ago
Best of all, checking out the stem is a solid rule for more stone fruits, like nectarines, as well other fruits, including apples and avocados. Green at the top = stop there, buddy.

It was in the post. Y'all probably missed it for focusing on content. I looked at her cucumber too. I'd never formulated these things in words, but had a ”duh” feeling. Beyond the color, for me peaches need to smell good, and be tree ripened, to be good eating. If they're hard, no paper bag is ever going to ripen them enough.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 thanked plllog
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
Original Author
2 years ago
My qualifier is 'it may work' - I'm a bit skeptical of many of these 'hacks' nowadays...
OutsidePlaying
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
We have a peach orchard about 15 min from our house. They have different varieties from late May to the end of Aug. Reliably some in a basket will still have green tops but ripen if left on the counter for a couple of days.

I go roughly once a week for their peaches they are that good. I’ve frozen a few (cut up), made a couple of cobblers or galettes, and enjoyed many for breakfast.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 thanked OutsidePlaying
rob333 (zone 7b)
2 years ago
Of course it will work for nectarines, because they are a variety of peach. 😃
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 thanked rob333 (zone 7b)
Judi
2 years ago
This time of year we have good luck with peaches sold in flats from TJ’s.

I have yet to see those cartons of peaches at our TJ's this year. Some years they're incredible, others pretty much a bust.

July 2015 ---
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 thanked Judi
Olychick
2 years ago
I bought a cello bag of peaches from TJs last week, left them on the counter a few days to ripen and they were fabulous!
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 thanked Olychick
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
Original Author
2 years ago
I also look for heavy fruit. The ones in bags can't be soft because they'll get smashed, but they so far have all ripened deliciously, despite starting out firm with no scent at all.

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