Tag: Cooking with peaches

According to agricultural research, peaches are a climacteric fruit, meaning they continue to ripen and soften after being picked from the tree. This explains why the hard peach you buy at the store is not yet at its peak ripeness, but it doesn't mean it's off-limits for eating. Understanding the changes that occur during ripening can help you decide how to best enjoy your hard peaches, whether by waiting a few days or using them in a recipe.

While peaches are renowned for their sweetness, they are, in fact, an acidic fruit, with yellow-fleshed varieties typically ranging in pH from 3.30 to 4.05. This inherent acidity is what gives them their classic tangy flavor profile that balances the high sugar content.

Peaches are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and potent antioxidants, with research noting that fresh peaches tend to contain more antioxidants than their canned counterparts. A common question among fruit lovers is: **Are you supposed to eat peaches hard or soft?** The ideal firmness is determined by how you plan to enjoy this versatile stone fruit.