What to do with flat peaches: Delicious recipes and creative uses

Originating in China thousands of years ago, flat peaches are celebrated for their sweet, juicy taste and low acidity. If you are wondering what to do with flat peaches, you'll find these unique fruits are incredibly versatile, performing wonderfully in both fresh and cooked applications beyond just eating them raw.

Quick Summary

Explore the best ways to use sweet, low-acid flat peaches in your cooking. This guide covers creative ideas for grilling, baking, making preserves, and adding them to savory dishes and salads. Learn to highlight this distinct fruit.

Key Points

• Savor Them Fresh: Flat peaches are incredibly sweet and juicy, making them a perfect ready-to-eat snack or a vibrant addition to fruit salads and parfaits.

• Grilling Creates Caramelization: A few minutes on the grill or in a pan will bring out the sugars, creating a delicious, warm, caramelized dessert.

• Perfect for Preserves: Their flavor is ideal for making simple jams, elegant coulis, or flavorful sauces that can be enjoyed year-round.

• Pair with Savory Ingredients: The sweetness of flat peaches balances beautifully with salty, savory elements like prosciutto, feta, and hearty greens.

• Free-Stone Pit for Easy Prep: Unlike many other peach varieties, the pit in a flat peach is easily removed, saving time and effort when preparing them for recipes.

• Bake into Classics: Use them in any recipe that calls for standard peaches, such as cobblers, crumbles, and upside-down cakes, for a unique flavor twist.

Discovering the Unique Charm of Flat Peaches

Also known as Saturn or donut peaches due to their flattened shape, flat peaches offer a sweeter, less acidic alternative to their round counterparts. Their tender, white or yellow flesh is encased in a thin, less-fuzzy skin, and the pit is typically non-clinging and easy to remove. This makes them an ideal choice for both simple snacking and intricate culinary creations. Their slightly almond-like undertone complements a wide range of flavors, from rich dairy to savory herbs.

Flat Peaches vs. Round Peaches: Key Differences

Feature	Flat Peaches (Donut/Saturn)	Round Peaches (Standard)
Shape	Flattened, disc-like	Round, spherical
Flavor	Sweeter, honey-like notes, with hints of almond	Classic sweet and tangy peach flavor
Acidity	Lower in acidity	Higher in acidity, more pronounced tartness
Skin	Thin and less fuzzy	Thicker, noticeably fuzzy skin
Flesh	Tender and juicy	Firmer, standard texture
Pit	Smaller, free-stone, easy to remove	Larger, often cling-stone
Best for	Eating fresh, grilling, salads	Baking, canning, preserving, eating fresh

Sweet and Simple Flat Peach Recipes

Thanks to their delicate flavor and texture, flat peaches shine in desserts that allow their natural sweetness to take center stage. They can also be used in any recipe calling for traditional peaches, though with a distinct, milder flavor profile.

Easy Grilled Peaches with Honey

Grilling flat peaches caramelizes their sugars, concentrating their flavor into a magnificent warm dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 flat peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream or yogurt for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil.
3. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, until tender with distinct grill marks.
4. Flip the peaches and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, drizzle with honey and cinnamon, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baked Flat Peaches with Brown Sugar

This simple, comforting dessert is perfect for highlighting the peach's natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 4 flat peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tbsp butter, cubed
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange peach halves, cut side up, in a baking dish.
3. Place a small cube of butter in each peach cavity.
4. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and spoon evenly over the peaches.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Serve with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or on their own.

Vibrant Flat Peach and Berry Crumble

Ingredients:

• Filling:
  • 4-5 flat peaches, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Combine filling ingredients in a bowl and pour into a baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Savory Ways to Enjoy Flat Peaches

Flat peaches can be a surprising and delicious addition to savory dishes, offering a sweet balance to salty or rich flavors.

Flat Peach and Prosciutto Salad

This appetizer or light lunch features a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 flat peaches, sliced into wedges
• 4-6 slices prosciutto
• Arugula or mixed greens
• Crumbled feta or burrata cheese
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Arrange arugula on a serving platter.
2. Artfully place peach wedges and torn prosciutto over the greens.
3. Scatter crumbled cheese over the salad.
4. Drizzle with a high-quality balsamic glaze.

Preserving the Flavor of Flat Peaches

When you have an abundance of flat peaches, preserving them ensures you can enjoy their flavor long after the season ends.

• Simple Flat Peach Jam: Combine peeled and pitted flat peaches with sugar and lemon juice. Simmer until the fruit collapses and the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
• Peach Coulis: This is a fantastic and easy way to use ripe flat peaches. Simmer peaches with a little sugar and water, then blend and strain for a smooth sauce perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake.
• Alcohol Macerated Peaches: Toss sliced peaches with a bit of sugar and your alcohol of choice, such as white wine or prosecco. Chill for a few hours for a boozy, flavorful fruit dessert.

A Quick Conclusion for Your Flat Peaches

From fresh summer salads to warm, comforting crumbles, there are countless delicious ways to use flat peaches. Their sweet, juicy, and low-acid nature makes them a versatile ingredient for cooks of all levels. Whether you are grilling them for a simple dessert or creating a complex savory salad, these distinct fruits offer a burst of unique flavor that is worth exploring. Experiment with the methods described above to find your new favorite way to enjoy this delightful stone fruit. For more preserving ideas, check out this guide on making peach preserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel flat peaches?

No, flat peaches have a very thin and less fuzzy skin compared to regular peaches, so they do not need to be peeled for most recipes.

Are flat peaches sweeter than regular peaches?

Yes, flat peaches are generally sweeter and have a lower acidity level than many round peach varieties, often with an almond-like flavor undertone.

What is another name for a flat peach?

Flat peaches are also commonly known as donut peaches, Saturn peaches, or saucer peaches, named for their unique shape.

What is the best way to store flat peaches?

Store unripe flat peaches at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, you can transfer them to the refrigerator to extend their freshness for a few days.

Can I use flat peaches in place of regular peaches in any recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flat peaches for regular peaches in most recipes. Keep in mind their flavor will be sweeter and less tangy.

What are the health benefits of flat peaches?

Flat peaches are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They are also low in fat and cholesterol, and rich in antioxidants.

How do you remove the pit from a flat peach?

To remove the pit, simply cut the peach in half along the seam. The free-stone pit is very easy to remove, often just by twisting the halves apart or pushing it out.

What makes a flat peach ideal for grilling?

Their lower acidity and higher sugar content allow for excellent caramelization when grilled, enhancing their sweetness and creating a perfect warm dessert topping.