How to Store Peaches to Make the Most of This Favorite Seasonal Fruit

Peaches are a favorite summer fruit, but they can be fickle, as anyone who has tried to keep a peach at that perfectly ripe window for eating knows. One minute, they're too hard; the next, they are mush. Meanwhile, ripening a peach is a whole different issue from learning how to store ripe peaches properly. To address it all, we spoke to culinary experts to learn more about how storage impacts the stone fruit's flavor and when to move them from the counter to the fridge or the freezer.

How to Store Ripe Peaches

When you have gorgeous ripe peaches, the last thing you want is to ruin them with improper storage. At peak ripeness, peaches are best kept at room temperature on a flat, non-porous surface. David Lebovitz, a professional cook, baker, and cookbook author, recommends storing these delicate stone fruits stem-side down to avoid developing any soft spots. And skip the fruit bowl; Lebovitz recommends keeping ripe peaches directly on the counter rather than in a bowl, where they may get squashed or bashed.

How to Store Ripe Peaches Until You're Ready to Eat Them

Ripe peaches should be eaten promptly while still at peak ripeness, but if you need to buy some time, you can refrigerate them. "If your peaches are ready for you, but you're not ready for them, feel free to store them in the fridge for a couple of days," says Daniel Litwin, director of purchasing for Jetro Restaurant Depot, a wholesale supplier.

How to Store Unripe Peaches (So They Can Ripen)

The peaches you bring home from the farmstand or grocery store that aren't ripe yet should never go in the refrigerator. The best place to store them is at room temperature on your countertop.

Why You Shouldn't Refrigerate Unripe Peaches

Our experts agree that if your peaches haven't reached peak ripeness, refrigeration is not a viable option. Here's what transpires in the cold:

• Refrigeration slows down the peaches' natural ripening process.
• Peaches start to dehydrate and become wrinkly and darker in color when stored in the refrigerator.
  

How to Freeze Peaches

Having too many ripe peaches is a good problem! Freezer storage is a great way to preserve fresh peaches and have them on hand for everything from peach cobbler to peach pavlova.

How to Flash-Freeze Peaches

Before stowing in the freezer, flash-freeze the fruit to keep it from getting soggy and turning into a solid ice clump:

1. Cut peaches into wedges or cubes.
2. Toss slices with a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Spread prepared peaches on parchment-lined baking sheets.
4. Transfer to the freezer to freeze completely. 
5. Once pieces are frozen solid, transfer them to labeled freezer-safe sealable bags

Frozen peaches should last between six and 12 months.

What to Do With Overripe Peaches

If your peaches are past peak ripeness, they can still be salvaged. In addition to the freezer treatment, overripe peaches can be mashed up and used in baking projects as a natural sweetener. Since peaches develop a softer texture when overripe, Litwin suggests pies, smoothies, or even a blended cocktail as wonderful options for making the most of your peach supply.

How to Tell if a Peach Has Gone Bad

If you wait too long to eat or freeze your peaches, they will go bad. You should throw away any peaches that have signs of spoilage to protect yourself from food poisoning.

A peach may be rotten if it shows one or more of these signs:

• Overly mushy
• Mold growth
• Bruising and dark spots
• Foul odor
• Flesh discoloration