When the peaches are at the peak of their production in the summer, peeling them is the first operation to do to obtain tasty and colorful pieces to eat and to make jams and preserves. That way, the hairy part of the peel won't interfere with any delicious dish you want to make. Peeling peaches isn't that difficult if you know the best way to do it! Go to step 1 to learn how to blanch and peel them easily.
Steps
Step 1. Choose ripe peaches
They are easier to peel than those still behind. When peaches ripen, the skin tends to peel off without taking away any parts of the pulp. When choosing peaches, focus on those that are fragrant and whose pulp takes advantage when you press it with your finger.
- If a peach is hard as a stone, it is not ripe.
- If when you press you break the peel easily, it is past ripening. Overripe peaches are still good for desserts and other dishes, just make sure they're not rotten.
Step 2. Rinse the peaches
If they show signs of dirt and so on, quickly run them under cold water before proceeding. Dust and debris must not end up in the pulp once you peel the fruit.
Step 3. Boil a pot of water
Calculate that it contains at least 3 or 4 peaches. Do not make too many all together, putting a lot of them will lower the temperature of the water in the pot and the boiling will be less effective. A cast iron pot or a large one will do the trick. Fill it 3/4 full and boil the water.
Step 4. Prepare an ice bath
Fill a large basin with ice cubes and water. You will use it to stop the cooking process and prevent the peaches from mashing.
Step 5. Carve an X on the peaches
Use a sharp knife to carve the X into the bottom of each peach. When they are blanched, the heat infiltrated under the peel will make it easier to remove.
Don't carve too deep and don't cross too big or the peaches may break in the water. An average X will do just fine
Step 6. Blanch the peaches
Put 3 or 4 peaches in the water. Let them cook for 30-40 seconds (depending on how ripe they were). The skin will soften quickly.
- The riper the peaches are, the less they will have to stay in the water, so take them out after 30 seconds.
- Do not leave them in for more than 40 seconds or they will pulp.
Step 7. Transfer them to the ice bath
Use a copper wire to lift them (one by one) from the boiling water and put them in a cool place. Keep them in the ice bath for a minute then place them on your work surface.
- At the same time, you can blanch the remaining peaches.
- Don't keep them in the bathroom too much, you just have to cool them down for a minute. Excessive time could ruin its texture and taste.
Step 8. Peel the peaches
Grab a cold one and grab one side of the X-engraved peel. Pull gently, it should come off smoothly. Continue peeling until all the peel is removed and discard.
Peel carefully and calmly, so you don't remove the pulp as well
Step 9. Process the peaches according to the instructions
Now they are ready to be sliced, diced or blended, depending on how you need them. Peeled peaches will also be easier to pit. Here are some delightful ways to use them:
- Peach tart. It's a summer classic, great right out of the oven and with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Peach cake. If you like challenges, this homemade dessert will be a hit with family and friends.
- Peach jam. Fill your jars with peaches so you will enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
- Peach Chutney. This delicious accompaniment is suitable for fish and pork.
- Peach sauce. Something different for your tortillas.
- Peach smoothie. This healthy drink is perfect for breakfast or a light dessert.
