Peaches are sweet, juicy fruits with skins that range from reddish brown to rich yellow to pink-tinged white and flesh that ranges from creamy yellow to deep gold and red. Purchase well-shaped fruit that is fragrant and does not have blemishes. When ripe, peaches are slightly soft. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Peaches are also available frozen and canned.
To peel fresh peaches:
Plunge each peach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Cool briefly in cold water, drain, and pull off the skin with a paring knife.To pit fresh peaches: With a small knife, cut the peach in half down to the pit. Grasp the halves and twist to separate them. Pull out the pit or pry it out with a knife.