Summer means peaches at their peak — sweet, juicy, and perfect for a wide range of dishes. We partnered with culinary professionals from Johnson & Wales University to present a collection of inspired peach recipes and practical tips for selecting, washing, and storing peaches so you get the best flavor all season long.
How to Wash a Peach
Properly washing peaches preserves their flavor and texture while removing surface dirt and residues. Follow these simple steps:
1. Gently brush away any visible dirt with a soft brush or your hand.
2. Fill a bowl or a clean sink basin with cool water.
3. Place the peach in the water and use your hands or a soft cloth to rub the skin lightly—avoid pressing hard to prevent bruising.
4. Rinse under cool, running water to remove any remaining particles.
5. Dry the peach by patting it gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, or place it on a clean towel to air-dry briefly before using or storing.
Additional tip: If you plan to eat the peach soon, wash it right before serving rather than in advance to maintain peak freshness. For firmer fruit that isn’t fully ripe yet, let it ripen at room temperature away from direct sunlight and refrigerate once it reaches the desired softness.
Try These Peach Recipes
Below are several creative ways to enjoy peaches, from salads and salsas to inventive appetizers and plant-based mains. Each recipe highlights summer’s natural sweetness and pairs peaches with complementary flavors like balsamic, goat cheese, jalapeño, and smoky barbecue sauce.
Grilled Peach Salad
Grilled peaches add caramelized sweetness and a touch of char that pairs beautifully with peppery greens and a tangy balsamic reduction. This salad balances sweet and savory elements—consider adding toasted nuts, crumbled cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for texture and richness. It’s an ideal light main or elegant side for summer dinners.
Find the full recipe on the source site for exact ingredients and preparation steps.
Peach Sushi Rolls
This playful take on sushi introduces fresh peach slices into classic roll components for a bright, seasonal variation. The peach’s natural sweetness complements vinegared rice and crisp vegetables; pair with a light soy or citrus-based dipping sauce. Peach sushi rolls offer a refreshing appetizer or party platter option when you want something unexpected and summery.
Visit the original recipe for measurements and rolling tips to help you assemble neat, flavorful rolls.
Tempeh Ribs with Peach Habanero Barbecue Sauce
For plant-based barbecue with bold flavor, peaches form the base of a sweet and spicy habanero-infused sauce that clings to smoky tempeh “ribs.” The fruit’s sweetness helps balance the heat while contributing body and depth to the sauce. Consider serving with grilled vegetables or a crisp slaw to contrast the rich, smoky flavors.
See the full recipe on the source page to learn how to prepare the sauce and assemble the dish.
Peach Bruschetta with Goat Cheese on Peach Bread
This inventive bruschetta pairs tangy goat cheese with ripe peach slices served on a subtly sweet bread that incorporates peach flavor. The saltiness of the cheese enhances the fruit’s natural sugars, while fresh herbs like basil or mint brighten each bite. It’s a delightful appetizer for summer gatherings and pairs well with chilled white wine or iced tea.
Refer to the original recipe for ingredient proportions and assembly instructions.
Southwestern Grilled Peach Salsa
This grilled salsa combines sweet peaches with charred corn, jalapeño heat, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant topping that’s excellent with grilled fish, chicken, or simply served with tortilla chips. Grilling the peaches and corn brings a smoky nuance that deepens the salsa’s flavor profile, making it a versatile accompaniment for summer meals.
Consult the source recipe for exact ingredient ratios and grilling times.
Optimum Wellness is proud to collaborate with Johnson & Wales University on this collection. Chefs Alyssa Walters, Jessie Vandygriff, William Brasch, Chef Adam Sacks, and Katherine Privitt contributed their culinary expertise to develop these peach-forward recipes. Johnson & Wales University is widely known for its culinary education and for preparing cooks and chefs to innovate in today’s kitchens.
With these recipes and practical tips, you can make the most of peach season — whether you’re grilling, chopping, saucing, or serving fresh. Experiment with different varieties and ripeness levels to discover how sweetness and texture influence each dish, and enjoy the bright, summery flavor peaches bring to your table.