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How to Peel Peaches

Peeling Peaches is easily done! It’s the perfect way to prepare them before preserving. It’s EASY, FAST and you already have everything you need right in your kitchen! How to Peel Peaches.

three peaches on a blue napkin in gray bowl

Why This Recipe Works

  • FAST
  • EASY
  • You already have everything you need

Here’s How You Do It

STEP 1. Boil a large pot of water.

Water being poured into sauce pan on a cook top blue towel in back ground

Add water to your pan

STEP 2. Gather supplies, Cut an X on the bottom of the peaches, and submerge into the boiling water. 

***Gather tongs, kitchen spider or large slotted spoon for this job. Using the tool for the Peaches you are Peeling, gently put the fruit in boiling water.

hand dropping peach into boiling water

 

STEP 3. Shocking.

***Plunge the Peaches into ice water immediately to stop the cooking process. Allow to soak for 2-3 minutes. Then remove, dry on paper towels and use for your recipe.

moving peaches from boiling water to ice bath with kitchen spider

STEP 4. Drain and remove the skin

The skill will peel right off! 

using a paring knife to cut a peach in half, peach slices on the side

 

Why Do You Peel Peaches?

There are several reasons you might Peel Peaches that includes:

  • Preparing for freezing or preserving
  • To remove the skin for eating.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s about How To Peel Peaches

Why Do You Have To Peel Peaches?

You’ll want peeled peaches for…

  • Fruit salads, 
  • Pies
  • To prepare for freezing

Can I Leave The Skin On?

If freezing the peaches, leaving the skin on will result in a more mushy peach and a bad texture in your mouth. 

Most people don’t enjoy the thick leathery and sometimes hairy experience of eating peaches with the skin on.

How Long Should You Blanch Peaches for Peeling? 

Peel Peaches in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.  You will see it change colors to a bright peach color and that’s how you know to remove it from the water. 

How Can I Remove the Skin From a Peach? 

You can remove the skin from a peach by..

  • Peeling it with a knife
  • Using a potato peeler
  • Blanching the skin off. 

Can I Peel Peaches in the Microwave? 

Technically, it’s possible in the microwave, but it isn’t the best way to Peel Peaches because the water doesn’t actually boil like it does on the stovetop.

Does Blanching Peaches Remove the Nutrients? 

According to the USDA, no, it actually preserves the nutrients! 

Can I Just Peel My Peach with a Potato Peeler? 

Yes! If you are peeling a few peaches, a potato peeler is the way to go. However, if you must peel many peaches, then boiling water bath is the quickest solution.

What Do Blanched Peeled Peaches Taste Like?

  • Peeled Peaches tastes like itself. You are not cooking the Peaches completely. .
  • There’s no taste change, Peeling just preserves the texture, color and nutrients.

a peach pie with white towel

Tips and Tricks 

  • Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have hot water bubbling away and not have everything else you need.
  • Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the Peaches in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
  • Only put a few pieces of Peaches into the heated water at first. You don’t’ want to reduce the simmer with the Peaches you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
  • Remove the iced Peaches to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the Peaches as dry as possible before packing into the freezer bags.
  • Here’s where you can read more about Peaches than you wanted to know!
  • Choose peaches that are firm but have a slight give when you squeeze them.
  • Avoid bruised fruit. 
  • The peach should have a fresh, summer smell when you cut into it. 
  • Store peaches in a plastic bag in the refrigerator
  • To ripen peaches, place it in a paper bag and leave out of the fridge. 

blue bowl of peach salsa with lime and chips

Hey, Ya’ll, Help Me Out, OK?

Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes!

using a paring knife to cut a peach in half, peach slices on the side

Blanching Peaches

Peeling Peaches is the PERFECT way to enjoy this lovely fruit !  You’ll have peaches for all kinds of recipes when you know how to peel peaches! 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to peel peaches, peeling peaches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
ice bath time, drying and packing: 10 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 18kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb peaches fresh
  • 2 tbs lemon juice

Instructions

  • Put a large stock pot of 4 quarts of water on to boil over high heat on the stove top.
  • While waiting for the water to heat, gather your other supplies. Place a large bowl in the sink with 1 Quart of water in it. Do not add the ice until just before adding peaches to the boiling water.
  • When water comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium so that water is at a hard simmer.
  • Add ice to the bowl of water in the sink.
  • Add your peaches to the boiling water quickly using tongs or other tool. Only add a few to the water at a time so that the water does not lose its boil
  • Allow the fruit to stay in the water just long enough to begin to change colors. You'll notice the color dulls.
  • Remove the peaches and plunge immediately into the ice water bath. Allow to soak there for 2-3 minutes. Then remove to a bowl and coat with 2 tbs of lemon juice to preserve color.
  • After 2-3 minutes in the ice water, the skin will begin to peel at the X on the bottom, use a pairing knife to pull the skin off. Cut off what doesn't peel easily.

Notes

  • Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project.  You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need. 
  • Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the peaches in.  That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it. 
  • Only put a few peaches into the boiling water at first.  You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the peaches you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time. 
  • Remove the iced peaches to a bowl and use the lemon juice, this keeps the peaches from browning. 
PRO TIP:  Cut an X on the bottom of the peach before you put it in the blanching water and this will help remove the skin.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Blanching Peaches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 18 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 86mg2%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 148IU3%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 3mg0%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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A VERSE TO SHARE

Giving thanks for all the little things, even peeling peaches! 

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Wendi Spraker

Friday 15th of November 2019

aggregate rating test

Sarah Blackwell

Sunday 6th of October 2019

Thank you for the tips and tricks! Super helpful!

Wendi Spraker

Sunday 6th of October 2019

Hi Sarah! Thanks so much!

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