What To Know
- To pit a stone fruit, use a sharp knife to cut around the pit and then twist the two halves apart.
- To peel a tropical fruit, use a sharp knife to cut off the skin.
- To peel a citrus fruit, use a sharp knife to cut off the skin.
Peaches are a summer staple, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than with fresh fruit. But how much fruit should you use? And what kind of fruit goes best with peaches?
The Perfect Peach Pairing
The amount of fruit you use will depend on your personal preference. However, a good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 cup of fruit per peach. This will give you a nice balance of flavors without overpowering the peach.
As for what kind of fruit to use, the possibilities are endless. Some popular choices include:
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Stone fruit (apricots, plums, nectarines)
- Tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, papaya)
- Citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, limes)
Preparation
Once you’ve chosen your fruit, it’s time to prepare it. For most fruits, this simply means washing and slicing them. However, there are a few exceptions.
- Berries: Berries should be washed gently and then patted dry. Do not remove the stems until after washing.
- Stone fruit: Stone fruit should be pitted and sliced. To pit a stone fruit, use a sharp knife to cut around the pit and then twist the two halves apart.
- Tropical fruit: Tropical fruit should be peeled and diced. To peel a tropical fruit, use a sharp knife to cut off the skin. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and dice it.
- Citrus fruit: Citrus fruit should be peeled and segmented. To peel a citrus fruit, use a sharp knife to cut off the skin. Then, use your fingers to separate the segments.
Assembly
Once your fruit is prepared, it’s time to assemble your peaches. There are two main ways to do this:
- On top: Place the fruit on top of the peaches. This is a good option if you want to showcase the fruit.
- Inside: Place the fruit inside the peaches. This is a good option if you want to create a more subtle flavor.
Finishing Touches
Once your peaches are assembled, you can add any finishing touches you like. Some popular options include:
- Drizzle with honey or agave syrup
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream
Serving
Peaches with fresh fruit can be served as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast. They’re a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the summer season.
Tips for Using Fresh Fruit on Peaches
Here are a few tips for using fresh fruit on peaches:
- Use ripe fruit. Ripe fruit will be sweeter and more flavorful.
- Wash the fruit thoroughly before using it. This will remove any dirt or bacteria.
- Slice the fruit into thin slices. This will help the fruit to cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the peaches. If you use too much fruit, the peaches will not cook evenly.
- Cook the peaches until they are heated through. This will help to bring out the flavors of the fruit.
- Serve the peaches immediately. Peaches are best served warm.
Peachy Keen Recipes
Here are a few recipes for using fresh fruit on peaches:
- Peach Cobbler with Fresh Berries: This classic dessert is made with peaches, berries, and a sweet cobbler topping.
- Grilled Peaches with Tropical Fruit Salsa: These grilled peaches are topped with a refreshing salsa made with tropical fruit.
- Peach Smoothie with Citrus: This smoothie is made with peaches, citrus fruit, and yogurt. It’s a healthy and delicious way to start your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if a peach is ripe?
A: Ripe peaches will be soft to the touch and have a sweet smell. The skin will also be slightly wrinkled.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit on peaches?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fruit on peaches. However, you will need to thaw the fruit before using it.
Q: How can I make my peaches more flavorful?
A: You can make your peaches more flavorful by cooking them with spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup to the peaches.
Q: How can I store peaches with fresh fruit?
A: Peaches with fresh fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze peaches with fresh fruit?
A: Yes, you can freeze peaches with fresh fruit. However, you will need to blanch the peaches before freezing them. To blanch peaches, place them in a pot of boiling water for 1 minute. Then, remove the peaches from the boiling water and place them in a bowl of ice water. Once the peaches are cool, drain them and pat them dry. Then, place the peaches in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 6 months.
