Peaches are soft, sweet and juicy. They are a favorite in cobblers, pies, crisps and jams. They also taste lovely grilled or sliced into salads with a little cheese.

Compared with firm apples, peaches soften quickly and release plenty of juice. A bit of cornstarch helps thicken pies. Canned and frozen peaches are handy when fresh ones are out of season.

Questions folks ask

Do I have to peel peaches?

No. The skin is fine in many recipes. Peel for smooth jams and some pies.

Can I use canned peaches in a cobbler?

Yes. Drain them well and cut back on added sugar.

How do I ripen peaches?

Leave them on the counter, stem side down, for a day or two. A paper bag speeds it up.

Kitchen tips

Dip peaches in boiling water for a minute to loosen the skins.
Let hard peaches ripen on the counter.
Add a little lemon juice to bring out the flavor.
Thicken juicy fillings with cornstarch or flour.