How To Peel Peaches

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Learn how to peel peaches the easy way to use in all your summer desserts! I’ll show you step by step how peel fresh peaches the best way!

hand peeling away peach skin


 

Peeling peaches may seem like a simple task, but it can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the best methods. Whether you’re preparing peaches for a delicious pie, a refreshing smoothie, or simply want to enjoy them peeled for a snack, knowing the right techniques can make the process much easier and more efficient. And I don’t know about you but when it comes to tedious tasks with my baking I want the easiest and best method possible.

I use peeled peaches in all my desserts, like my peach bread or peach cobbler pound cake because I don’t really prefer baking with the skin of the peaches on. 

So if it’s peach season, and you’re looking to bake with peaches, then let me show you the easiest way to remove the peach peel so you can get to baking right away!

peach bread cut in half

Why Peel Peaches

Peaches are known for their juicy and flavorful flesh, but their skin can sometimes be tough or fuzzy, which may not be pleasant to eat for everyone. Peeling removes this barrier, allowing you to fully enjoy the sweet and succulent fruit in your without any unwanted texture or bitterness. 

Additionally, peeled peaches are often preferred in recipes where a smoother texture is desired, such as jams, sauces, or desserts.

a bunch of fresh peaches, with one peach cut in half

Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the peeling process, gather the necessary tools:

  1. Paring Knife: A small, sharp knife with a thin blade is ideal for peeling peaches. It allows for precise cuts without removing too much of the flesh.
  2. Blanching Pot: Blanching is a popular method for peeling peaches. You’ll need a large pot of water. It should be large enough to hold several peaches and filled with hot water.
  3. Slotted Spoon: This will help you safely remove the peaches from the boiling water during the blanching process.
  4. Bowl of Ice Water: Immediately after blanching, you’ll transfer the peaches to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This step helps loosen the skins for easy peeling.
  5. Paper Towels: Have these handy to gently pat dry the peeled peaches after they’ve been blanched and cooled.

Step-by-Step Guide to Peeling Peaches

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Start with ripe but firm peaches. Rinse the whole peaches under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. You can also lightly scrub them with a produce brush if necessary.

peaches being washed

Step 2: Score the Skin

Using a paring knife, make a shallow X-shaped incision at the bottom of each peach. The score mark is crucial for the blanching method, as it helps the skin to peel away more easily during the blanching process.

knife cutting an X in the bottom of the peach

Step 3: Blanching

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water using a slotted spoon. Blanch the peaches in the hot water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on their ripeness. You’ll notice the skins start to loosen.

peaches in boiling water

Step 4: Ice Water Bath

Once blanched, immediately transfer the blanched peaches to a bowl of ice water using the slotted spoon. Let them sit in the ice water for 2-3 minutes. This rapid cooling helps to stop the cooking process and makes the skins easier to peel.

peaches in an ice bath

Step 5: Peel the Peaches

After the peaches have cooled in the ice water, remove them one at a time. Starting from the incision you made earlier, gently peel back the skin using your fingers or the paring knife. The skin should come off smoothly, revealing the soft, juicy flesh underneath.

peeling away peach skin on a blanched peach

Step 6: Final Touches

Once peeled, you can slice, dice, or chop the peaches as needed for your recipe. If you’re not using them immediately, drizzle a little lemon juice over the peach slices to prevent browning.

Store covered in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.

peeled peaches in a pie crust

Alternative Methods

While blanching is a popular method, especially for larger batches of peaches, there are alternative ways to peel peaches:

– Knife Peeling: If you only have a few peaches to peel, you can use a paring knife to carefully peel the skin away in long strips. This method requires a bit more precision but can be done if you’re comfortable with a knife. I recommend using a sharp paring knife.

– Vegetable Peeler: You can also use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove that fuzzy skin! A hand peeler can be tricky to use if your peaches are super ripe. 

– Boiling Water Dip: Some prefer dipping the peaches briefly in boiling water instead of blanching. This method is quicker but may not loosen the skins as effectively as blanching.

peeling a skin with a vegetable peeler

Tips for Success

  • Choose Ripe Peaches: Ripe but firm peaches are easier to peel than underripe or overly ripe ones. When you press on the peach skin it should give slightly. 
  • Work Efficiently: Blanch and peel one peach at a time to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
  • Be Gentle: Handle the peaches delicately to avoid bruising or damaging the flesh.

What To Make With Peaches

Of course if you’re looking to peel peaches, you want to bake with them right? Right! One of my favorites is to make my peach pie with a crumble topping. Serve that with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you have the perfect dessert. 

​Or try my easy peach tart (you can use unpeeled peaches for the dessert if you choose) with fresh raspberries. I also love using fresh peaches in my peach muffins, peach blueberry cobbler, or my super easy peach cake.

How To Peel Peaches

Learn how to peel peaches the easy way to use in all your summer desserts! I'll show you step by step how peel fresh peaches the best way!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh, ripe peaches

Instructions

  • Start with ripe but firm peaches. Rinse the whole peaches under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. You can also lightly scrub them with a produce brush if necessary.
  • Using a paring knife, make a shallow X-shaped incision at the bottom of each peach. The score mark is crucial for the blanching method, as it helps the skin to peel away more easily during the blanching process.
  • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water using a slotted spoon. Blanch the peaches in the hot water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on their ripeness. You’ll notice the skins start to loosen.
  • Once blanched, immediately transfer the blanched peaches to a bowl of ice water using the slotted spoon. Let them sit in the ice water for 2-3 minutes. This rapid cooling helps to stop the cooking process and makes the skins easier to peel.
  • After the peaches have cooled in the ice water, remove them one at a time. Starting from the incision you made earlier, gently peel back the skin using your fingers or the paring knife. The skin should come off smoothly, revealing the soft, juicy flesh underneath.
  • Once peeled, you can slice, dice, or chop the peaches as needed for your recipe. If you’re not using them immediately, drizzle a little lemon juice over the peach slices to prevent browning and store in your fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Choose Ripe Peaches: Ripe but firm peaches are easier to peel than underripe or overly ripe ones. When you press on the peach skin it should give slightly. 
  • Work Efficiently: Blanch and peel one peach at a time to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
  • Be Gentle: Handle the peaches delicately to avoid bruising or damaging the flesh.
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