Tools You’ll Need
Before you start peeling your peaches, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a pot of boiling water, a slotted spoon, a bowl of ice-cold water, a paring knife, and a kitchen towel.
Steps to Peel Peaches
1. Boil Water
The first step is to boil water in a pot. Make sure there is enough water to completely submerge the peaches you want to peel.
2. Cut Cross on Peach Bottoms
Cut across the bottom of the peach with a paring knife, making a small ‘x’ mark.
3. Blanch the Peaches
Drop the peaches into the boiling water with a slotted spoon and let them simmer for about 30 seconds or up to 1 minute. This process is called blanching, and it helps to loosen the skin of the peaches.
4. Transfer to Ice Water
Remove the peaches from the boiling water using the slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the bowl of ice-cold water. The ice-cold water will help to stop the cooking process and make it easier to handle the peaches.
5. Peel the Skin
After a few minutes, remove the peaches from the ice-cold water and dry them gently with a kitchen towel. The skin should now peel easily. Use a paring knife to start the edge, and then gently pull the skin with your fingers.
6. Cut Around the Pit
Once you have peeled the skin, you can cut the peach into slices or segments by cutting around the pit. If you are using the peaches for a recipe that requires them to be cut into smaller pieces, you can also use a paring knife to cut the peach into smaller chunks, removing the pit in the process.
Working with Ripe Peaches
Ripe peaches are much easier to peel than unripe ones. However, if your peaches are too ripe, they may become mushy in the boiling water. To avoid this, check your peaches for ripeness before blanching them. Ripe peaches will have a slightly soft exterior and a fruity aroma.
Conclusion
Peeling peaches may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a breeze. The most important step is to blanch the peaches in boiling water to loosen the skin, and then transfer them to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. After that, the skin should peel easily, and you can cut the peaches into slices or segments as needed. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to peel peaches like a pro and enjoy them in all your favorite recipes.