How to: Peel a Peach

by 37 Comments

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

 

Comments

  19. Frank says

    Brilliant technique! I usually enjoy peach skin. In Italian there’s a saying: Pela il fico all’amico e la pesca al nemico, which means “peel a fig for your friend, but peel a peach only for your enemy.” The thinking being that peaches taste so good with the peel on. But of course the peel doesn’t belong in some recipes so knowing how to peel one without losing the flesh is a great skill to have!

    Reply

  22. marla says

    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

  25. Kimby says

    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

  26. Brooks at Cakewalker says

    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

  28. Carolyn says

    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

  33. Sara says

    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

  35. Sandi says

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

    Reply

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