Learn three different techniques for How to Peel a Peach for all of your favorite peach recipes!
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How to Peel a Peach
Peeling peaches can be a little tricky, and many recipes (especially baking recipes) call for them to not have skin.
Learn three different techniques that I use for peeling peaches below.
Are you supposed to peel a peach?
You do not have to, but you can! And depending on the recipe, you may want to.
The peach skin can be a little tougher than the fruit and change the texture when eating, such as leaving the skin on peaches in a pie.
Why do you peel peaches?
It is possible that the peach skin can contain more pesticides than the flesh itself, which is one reason why some people prefer to peel peaches.
Otherwise, peaches are typically pealed due to the recipe it is being used in and texture preference as explained above.
Peach skins also change the color of certain things, like homemade peach syrup. The skin left on does not affect the flavor, but makes the syrup more of a pink color compared to just using the peach flesh itself.
Peeling Peaches with boiling water
This is the most common way to peel peaches.
Cut an “x” in the bottom end of your peaches, about one to two inch long cuts. Place them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. We are not trying to cook the peaches, but rather loosen up the skin.
Remove the peaches and immediately place them in ice water. The ice water stops the cooking process. Wait until they are completely cool to the touch and then peel the skin back from the “x” in the bottom.
How do you peel a peach in the microwave?
You can also peel a peach in the microwave in a very similar process as the stove boiling method.
Simply cut the “x” in the bottom of the peaches, place them in a bowl, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then peel the skin off from the “x”.
It is best to use the ice water for microwave peaches as well since it will stop the cooking process.
How do you peel a peach without boiling it? Can you peel peaches with a potato peeler?
Yes, you can peel peaches with a potato peeler, however there are a few things to note.
Firmer peaches that are not extra ripe are much easier to peel since they are firmer. But this also means they have less sweetness or flavor. Depending on your recipe, this may or may not be a concern.
I am still successful peeling ripe and softer peaches with a peeler. If you shift the peeler back and forth in a sawing motion as you try to peel it, the sawing helps cut through the skin more easily.
I prefer peeling peaches this way because it is faster and easier for me, while also not removing much of the flesh.
How do I get the peach off the pit?
First cut the peach all the way around the pit in a circle.
If you have a freestone peach, it should easily come apart when you gently twist.
If you have a clingstone peach where the pit wants to hold onto the flesh, press your thumbs into the cut line and pull outward until starting to separate. Rotate and do this on the other side as well (to avoid the peach tearing from just doing it on one side). And it should come apart with the pit in one half.
The repeat on the half that is still holding onto the pit. When you are left with a quarter of a peach holding onto the pit, you should be able to pull the pit out.
I was going to take pictures of this but let’s just say it looked a little inappropriate…
Are you looking for great recipes to use these peeled peaches with? Check out our collection of peach recipes below!
Peach Recipes
Recipes highlighting delicious peaches!
How to Peel a Peach
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound peaches (however many you need for your recipe)
Instructions
Peeler Method
- To peel using a vegetable peeler, wash your peaches.
- Peel the peaches as you would a potato. If they are a little firm and a touch under ripe, this will be easy.
- If the peaches are soft and very ripe, rock the peeler back and forth in a sawing motion as you peel to help guide it through the skin.
- Cut and use peaches as needed for your recipe.
Boiling Method
- Get a large pot half full of water boiling on the stove.
- Fill a large bowl with a lot of ice and water to make an ice bath.
- Cut an "x" in the bottom of the peaches, with the cuts being one to two inch long.
- Place the peaches in the boiling water and let soak for approximately 30 seconds.
- Remove from the water and place immediately into the ice bath.
- Wait until the peaches are cool to the touch and peel from the "x". Use as needed for your recipe.
Microwave Method
- Fill a large bowl with a lot of ice and water to make an ice bath.
- Cut an "x" in the bottom of the peaches, with the cuts being one to two inch long.
- Place the peaches in a bowl and microwave for approximately 30 seconds. You can do multiple peaches at a time, but will likely need to increase the time you microwave them when you get beyond 8 peaches.
- Remove from the microwave and place immediately into the ice bath.
- Wait until the peaches are cool to the touch and peel from the "x". Use as needed for your recipe.
