Georgia Peaches are in! Here are 9 tips to help you choose the perfect peach:
1. Smell the peach. The peach is a member of the rose family and should have a pleasingly sweet fragrance.
2. Look for a creamy gold to yellow under-color. The red or "blush" of a peach is an indication of variety, not ripeness.
3. Peaches should be soft to the touch but not mushy.
4. Look for a well-defined crease that runs from the stem to the point.
5. Don't squeeze peaches; they bruise easily.
6. Place firm peaches on the counter for a day or two, and they'll ripen.
7. Promptly refrigerate ripe peaches and eat them within a week of purchase.
8. To peel a peach, dip it into boiling water for 30 seconds, then in cold water. The peel should slide off easily.
9. To keep sliced peaches from darkening, add lemon juice or ascorbic acid.