We are starting to see the bountiful gifts of our fruit trees in the Northeast. Farmstands are packed with bushels of goods from the fields and one seasonal crop that has made its debut is peaches. While we can find this commodity year-round in the grocery store, there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh juicy peach straight from the source.
Some things to look for when selecting the perfect peach include smell, firmness, color, and shape. Peaches will give off an undeniable sweet aroma when ripe, and they will usually have some give to them. If a peach feels firm, it’s not ready yet. Depending on the variety of peach, color can be an indicator of ripeness. Lastly, peaches round as they ripen. When looking for the perfect peaches, take note of their shoulders. That classic peach dimple on the shoulders is yet another sign that it’s not ready yet.
Once you’ve found the perfect peaches, there are countless ways to enjoy them. One of our favorite recipes is our Peach Tomato Salsa, combining two summer fruits that shine in the month of August. We made this recipe as an addition to our Beans and Greens Tacos but it also could be served by itself or with chips. This salsa is full of vitamin C to keep you moving through all your summertime activities. It’s one way to celebrate peaches during August which is, fittingly, National Peach Month!
Peach Tomato Salsa
Makes 2 cups
1 cup peaches, cut into ½-inch cubes (frozen is fine)
1⁄2 cup tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1⁄2-inch dice
1⁄2 small red onion, finely diced (about 1⁄4 cup), or any other variety
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tablespoon lime juice (from 1/2 lime), fresh or bottled
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Combine peaches, tomato, onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a medium bowl. Toss with lime juice and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
