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    Home » How-to

    How to: Peel a Peach

    Published: Sep 17, 2011 · Modified: Sep 18, 2011 by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 37 Comments

    25Shares

    How to: Peel a Peach

    Yesterday I wrote about the Peach Crumb Bars with Hazelnut Streusel that we have been snacking on over the past few days. In that post, I promised that I would show you how to peel a peach as part of my ongoing "How to" series. Of course, peeled peaches are not just relegated to crumb bars, but are called on in recipes ranging from pie to ice cream.

    I also mentioned that my eldest son turned 10 yesterday. That means that the fridge is packed with treats - crumb bars, chocolate birthday cake and ice cream. That ice cream is not just for serving with cake. Oh no, we have bigger plans.

    This afternoon, we are picking up my son's three best buddies and taking them to watch my son play in his soccer game. After the game we are headed back to our house for pizza, movies and a sleepover birthday party. And the ice cream? We'll be loading up their bowls with scoops of vanilla and mint chocolate chip ice cream and each boy will get to load on whatever toppings they choose. Marshmallows, chocolate chips, coconut, sprinkles, caramel sauce, maraschino cherries - the works. Just what every kid needs right before bedtime, right? If you don't hear from me for a couple of days, it is safe to assume that I have been worn into complete exhaustion by a pack of young hooligans. Send help.

    I have seen other people suggest peeling peaches with a vegetable peeler. However, I find that you lose a bit of a the flesh using that method and it is more labor-intensive. The method outlined below requires a knife, a pot of boiling water, a bowl of ice water and three or four minutes of your time.

    How to do it:
    With a paring knife, cut an "X" through the skin in the bottom of each peach.

    How to Peach 1

    Bring a medium or large pot (depending on the number of peaches) of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with cold water and some ice. Do this step now so it's ready to go when you need to dunk the peaches.

    Place the peaches into the boiling water for 45 seconds. If you leave them much longer, the peaches will start to cook and soften.

    Using a slotted spoon, lift the peaches out of the water and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water. Let the peaches sit in the ice water for a few minutes to cool.

    How to Peach 2

    Starting at the "X" on the bottom of the peaches and using your fingers or a paring knife, peel off the skin from each peach. Easy, right?

    How to Peach 4

    Recipes that use peeled peaches:
    Cookin' Canuck's Peach Crumb Bars with Hazelnut Streusel
    All Day I Dream About Food's Peach Cardamom Jam (Sugar Free)
    She Wears Many Hats' Peach Wontons
    Smitten Kitchen's Bourbon Peach Hand Pies
    Never Enough Thyme's Homemade Peach Ice Cream

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    « Peach Crumb Bars with Hazelnut Streusel Recipe
    Crockpot Pear Applesauce Recipe with Ginger »

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Sandi

        September 12, 2012 at 7:24 pm

        Works on nectarines and plums too. Such a time saver for large amounts at canning/freezing/jellyjam time.

        Reply
      2. Aurelia

        July 20, 2012 at 5:18 am

        Thanks for this nice how-to! I think the peaches have to be extremely fresh to peel them like this?

        Reply
      3. Sara

        September 22, 2011 at 9:24 am

        I have a question--I have been peeling peaches this way without problems, but the last time I used this method they would not peel for the life of me. I don't know if it was the variety, or if the peaches were not ripe enough. (I try to buy from the farmer's markets when I can and these were from the grocery store). In any case, very frustrating.

        Reply
      4. Quyen - Kitchen Runway

        September 22, 2011 at 1:14 am

        Great tip Dara!! Quick and easy!!

        Reply
      5. Melissa @ thefauxmartha

        September 20, 2011 at 2:50 pm

        No way!? This is brilliant.

        Reply
      6. Becky at Vintage Mixer

        September 20, 2011 at 12:39 pm

        Love your how-to series! Thanks for this tip Dara.

        Reply
      7. Steph @ A Life without Ice Cream

        September 19, 2011 at 2:42 pm

        I've always just done the hot water and do not adhere to the 45 second rule... I'll have to give your method a try for sure!!

        Those peaches look delicious!

        Reply
      8. Carolyn

        September 19, 2011 at 10:35 am

        The x on the bottom is a great tip, Dara! I've heard of the blanching before and I know it certainly makes a difference with both peaches and tomatoes.

        Reply
      9. blackbookkitchendiaries

        September 19, 2011 at 9:55 am

        I really love how beautiful your photos are!! thank you for sharing this tip... and big hugs to your son!

        Reply
      10. Brooks at Cakewalker

        September 19, 2011 at 8:41 am

        Dara, the photos of the glistening peaches are gorgeous. I use the same method for tomatoes. I hope the pack of hooligans don't do you in...we need you around for more tips and spot on recipes...Happy belated birthday to your son!

        Reply
      11. Kimby

        September 19, 2011 at 4:10 am

        I enjoy your "how to" series, Dara -- very helpful, even for a seasoned old kitchen veteran like me. 🙂 Hope you survived "make your own sundae" night -- sounded like a fun celebration!

        Reply
      12. myFudo

        September 19, 2011 at 2:00 am

        What a way to peel peach 🙂 Nice photos.

        Reply
      13. Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen

        September 18, 2011 at 9:20 pm

        I had no idea! How easy is that!

        Reply
      14. marla

        September 18, 2011 at 8:28 pm

        Great tips Dara. By now I believe the sleep over is finished...I hope your son and his buddies had a blast. How could they not will all of those amazing Cookin' Canuck goodies 🙂

        Reply
      15. marie cinqmars

        September 18, 2011 at 7:36 pm

        So that's how it's done, I usually just dive right in as impatient as I am.

        Reply
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      I'm Dara, a Canadian living in the U.S. and sharing my favorite healthy recipes. My cooking motto is that healthy eating never needs to be boring!

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