Tangy Summer Bounty

Sitting on the countertop, glowing an exquisite gradient of soft golden red, awaits the most delectable harvest. Beautiful, bodacious, and curvy, cloaked in a thin blanket of fuzz, a cleft down the middle gives way to the most perfect, plump, heart-shaped figure. Just a gentle poke, and the firm flesh dimples under the touch, releasing an ever pleasant sweet, aromatic, tangy smell. Just one bite and an orchestra of flavors dance over the tongue and leaves sticky juices dripping down the chin.

Fruit? Oh yes! Peaches!

Move aside, watermelon. Peach has come to steal your longstanding title of “Best Summer Fruit.”

We all know that during the summer, we have to keep it light and breezy with a good refreshment on hand. You see, watermelon only wins because it's a thirst-quenching giant, but hot summer days could easily go by with a cool refreshing glass of tart lemonade or sweet tea without the hassle of cutting open a fifty-pound melon just to get a mouthful of crunchy sugar water... with seeds! They'll grow in your belly if you swallow them, ya know. But peaches, oh there's so much one could do with the sweet, tangy drupe. It could be the southerner speaking in me, but let me introduce you to the versatility of Prunus persica.

Just eating the fruit is an experience to behold. It is the product of a rose, oh yes, the beautiful peach is a stone fruit of a flowering tree in the rose family bearing white to pink flowers. If you have one, you know it's blissful to sit under its branches on a hot summer day; full-grown leaves provide a much needed shade and ripe fruit fills the air with its fragrance. Pluck a golden red globe from its perch. Biting them feels distinct, as soft, fuzzy skin peels away to the smooth, juicy flesh within. It reveals itself to be sweet with tart, acidic undertones of rich flavor.

Maybe you don't want to make a mess of yourself, and that's okay; there are several ways to enjoy the lovely peach. Dice it up and serve as a nice sweet treat in yogurt, overnight oats, or a crisp salad. If you enjoy a little heat, the peach gives a surprising tartness to salsa toppings.

Did you have too much greasy, salty food at the cookout and need something sweet to finish off with? Well, have you tried grilled peaches? Save your firmest peaches for this one as the heat of the grill will soften them, bringing out their natural sugars and caramelizing them. Just cut them in half, remove the pit, and heat on medium for five minutes. Remove from heat and top them with some cinnamon and whipped cream.

Next on the menu, there's juice, sweet nectar squeezed fresh from the peach. Top it off with some fresh mint leaves. But don't stop there. Let's have a social and make peach sangria, or are you feeling margarita? Add mango, pineapple, and bitter orange to the party for some added citrus zest. Don't want to be wasteful? A smoothie with some crushed ice will solve the problem; all that pulp is good for the body.

Perhaps you're looking for an additional condiment to jazz things up in the morning. A nice peachy marmalade can go a long way. A sweet, or maybe you like it spicy with some added red pepper flakes, breakfast jelly to serve up on a side of crunchy toast. If you like preserves, consider setting aside some of those peaches to prepare them for pickling; bring the tastes of summer with you through the fall and winter months. Get those mason jars ready!

Is it an especially hot day? What better way to beat the heat than a cool bowl of homemade ice cream? Don't mention it? Oh, ice cream is everyone's guilty pleasure. It's perfect for those juicy overripe peaches. Just cut them up and pop them into a blender with some cream, honey, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add in some extra peach chunks and a sprinkle of pecans after churning, and voila! A creamy treat to keep in the freezer all summer. Take it on the go as a milkshake, pour it into popsicle molds for easy transport later, or let it firm up in the freezer for a few hours for a bowl of frozen goodness.

Last but not least, a southern favorite and summer classic. Sweet, tart, and crumbly peach cobbler. This is for the juiciest, ripe peaches you have, and it comes together quickly. Lay down sliced peaches in a baking dish, preferably with their nectar, add optional fresh berries such as raspberries and blackberries for some added tartness, and combine in a mix of batter or a doughy crust of your making. Place it in the oven and wait for the house to smell of a sweet pastry shop. Once out of the oven serve your slice with some powdered sugar, cinnamon, or maybe even your own peach ice cream. But if cobbler isn't your thing, try those moist peaches in a creamy cake, a custard pie, or fried cinnamon-coated dumplings.

We've reached the end of our list, but there are certainly options left unsaid. There are many ways to explore the peach through its dishes and don't forget to share this bountiful fruit with friends and family. With drinks, salads, cakes, and more, there's much to be offered.

Summer is just peachy.