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Here’s how to ripen peaches and how to tell if a peach is ripe! We’ve got a few tips whether you’re dealing with rock-hard fruit or want to speed up the process. Say goodbye to underripe peaches and hello to the sweet taste of summer!

How to ripen peaches
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What’s better than a ripe, juicy peach? Peaches are one of the most iconic summer fruits, ideal for snacking or baking into desserts. But here’s the thing: this fruit is one of the most notoriously temperamental!

They’re only good when they’re in season and perfectly ripe: otherwise they’re hard, tart and crisp—which works for an apple but certainly not a peach! Here’s how to ripen peaches so you can use them in all your juicy peach recipes.

How to tell if a peach is ripe

There’s a lot of variation in ripeness of peaches when you shop for them. You might find them rock hard at the grocery store, or so juicy they’re almost bruising from a farmer’s market. Keep in mind, peaches are best during peach season, which is summer in the US (and varies globally). Depending on where you live, you might find ripe peaches as early as June and as late as September (here in the Midwest it’s typically July and August).

How to tell if a peach is ripe? Here’s what to do:

  • Gently squeeze the peach. Don’t squeeze too hard: it can bruise the fruit.
  • If the flesh feels tender and soft, it’s ready to eat.
  • If the flesh is firm, it’s not ready yet. Keep reading for how to ripen peaches.

How to ripen peaches

If you start with very hard peaches, you’ll need several days to ripen them (especially if you’ve purchased them slightly out of season). If the peach feels like it’s almost ripe, you can place it on the counter or a window ledge and wait for it to ripen. Here’s how to quickly ripen peaches that feel very firm to the touch:

  • Place the peaches in a paper bag. Leave space between each peach.
  • Add a banana inside the bag. The banana emits ethylene gas, which helps the peaches ripen quicker.
  • Gently fold over the top of the bag. This traps the gasses inside.
  • Wait for 1 to 4 days, checking the ripeness each day. The time to ripen depends on the type of peach and how ripe it was when you purchased it.
How to tell if a peach is ripe

Ways to use ripe peaches

The best ways to use ripe peaches? Aside from biting into the juicy flesh, there are loads of ideal ways to eat this tasty fruit. Here are some top peach recipes and peach desserts:

Frequently asked questions

Can I ripen peaches on the counter?

Yes, you can ripen peaches at room temperature by simply leaving them on the counter. However, this method might take a few days depending on how underripe the peaches were when you purchased them.

What are the signs of a ripe peach?

A ripe peach will be soft to the touch, fragrant, and have a slightly give when gently squeezed. The skin color should be vibrant and the fruit should feel heavy for its size.

Can I ripen peaches in the refrigerator?

No, storing peaches in the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process and may even prevent them from ripening fully. Once they are ripe, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

How long do ripe peaches last?

Ripe peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them for later use in smoothies, desserts, or other recipes.

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How to Ripen Peaches

Peach Sorbet
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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: N/A
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: N/A
  • Category: Tips
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Fruits
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • Peaches
  • 1 banana (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the peaches in a paper bag.
    Add a banana inside the bag. The banana emits ethylene gas, which helps the peaches ripen at the same time.
  2. Gently close the top of the bag, trapping the gasses inside.
  3. Wait for 1 to 4 days, depending on the ripeness of the peaches. Check each day by gently squeezing the fruit to see if the flesh feels soft.

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About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

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  1. Sonja Overhiser says:

    Let us know if you have any questions!