Typically in season for a short time (July to September), enjoy summer’s sweetest stone fruit as a fruit choice while available. Peaches make a popular addition to summertime salads, meals and desserts. I love them fresh when in season and frozen when they’re not. They have a sweet yellow or white flesh and are either round or have a squished shape (donut peaches). If you haven’t had a donut peach, try one! I think donut peaches are the sweetest of all.
The Nutritional Profile of a Peach
A medium peach contains less than 50 calories and contain a boatload of anti-aging nutrients.
- Packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Researchers suggest that these antioxidants may help prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer — and the fresher and more ripe they are, the more antioxidants they contain.
- Low in fat, high in potassium and free of cholesterol and sodium.
- Loaded with fiber, both soluble and insoluble. These fibers improve satiety, blood cholesterol levels, and can contribute to good digestion, gut health, and lower visceral (belly) fat.
Perfect Pairs
Peaches work well when paired with:
- A scoop of yogurt
- On toast – PB & Peach Toast
- Salsa
- Smoothies – Bone-Boosting Peach Smoothie
- Teas
- Grilled and drizzled with Sonoma Gold Almost Vinegar (NOTE: This vinegar is amazing! It’s less acidic and has a rich, apricot flavor. It’s also great drizzled on Greek yogurt.)
Karen’s Fit Tip: Peaches continue to ripen after being picked. When stored at room temperature, firm peaches may ripen in about one to three days. Ripe peaches stored in the fridge can last for up to a week.
For more info on everything you’d want to know about eating, cooking, and baking peaches, visit the Lane Southern Orchards website.
