It’s officially peach season!!! Can you tell how excited we are? This sodium-free and fat-free fruit can be used in everything from desserts to salads. There are many, many different varieties of peaches but most of them are quite similar. Newer varieties have been developed that are larger, firmer and have a more acidic taste. Two new, unusual varieties now in your supermarket are the white peach and donut peach. White peaches have a pale white flesh and skin that is creamy white with splashes of pink. They are sweeter than regular yellow fleshed peaches. The donut peach is flat with rounded sides. It has a yellow skin with a red blush.
Choose ripe peaches that are firm but yield to pressure along the seam. The fruit should also have a nice ‘peachy aroma’. You should select peaches that have a creamy or yellow background on their skin. Peaches do not ripen once picked. Avoid any peaches that have a green colour on their skin, as that would signal the fruit was picked too early. It’ll be unripe and won’t have much flavour.
Firm peaches can be stored at room temperature for a day or two to soften them. If you purchased a basket of peaches, remove them from the basket and store in a single layer as they will bruise when stacked. Peaches that are ready to eat should be stored uncovered in the fridge, and they will keep for about a week.
With peaches plentiful now is the perfect time to grab a basket and try some new recipes. What are your favorite ways to enjoy peaches?
Medjool dates are found in the produce aisle and are a source of fibre, potassium and natural sweetness. This makes them a perfect way to add a hint of sweetness to this delicious summer smoothie with fresh peaches.
Summer Peach Jambalaya via Foodland Ontario
Juicy ripe Ontario Peaches add summer freshness to this colourful skillet jambalaya. You can add whatever Ontario vegetables you have on hand — but remember the essentials are rice, zesty spices and Ontario Peaches, of course. 
Prosciutto and Grilled Peach Salad
Sweet and salty are a perfect combination for a summer salad. Thinly sliced prosciutto envelopes ripe peach halves for this backyard dish. You can enjoy the peaches on their own as a fun appetizer idea too. Serve them with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Peach Salsa and Grilled Zucchini
You can use an indoor or outdoor grill for this all-in-one easy dish.
Curried Chicken, Peach and Pecan Salad via Foodland Ontario
The sweetness of Ontario Peaches complements the spiciness of this curried chicken salad beautifully. If preparing the salad in advance, add the peaches just before serving.
