Fresh Peaches & Salsa

Ashdown, Ark. –

You cannot beat the taste of a fresh peach in the summer.  Peaches are usually available in Arkansas from early June through August. Look for peaches that are free from bruises and skin that is slightly soft to firm to the touch. Avoid picking green colored peaches. The skin should be yellow with a red blush. There are two main types of peaches either freestone or clingstone. With clingstone peaches, the flesh of the peach clings to the pit.  The freestone variety will have flesh that easily releases from the pit.

On average, three to four peaches is equal to one pound of peaches. One pound of peaches is also equal to about two cups of sliced peaches. Usually peaches ripen within two to four days at room temperatures. Only place ripe peaches in the refrigerator for longer storage (about three to four days). You can easily peel peaches by dipping the peach in boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Then, immediately transfer the peach to ice water and the skin will easily peel off the peach.  If the fruit is riper then you may reduce the boiling time.  Remember that peaches will turn brown fast when exposed to air.  You can dip sliced peaches in 1 quart of water mixed with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to slice the peaches early without the peaches turning brown.

One medium peach (about the size of a tennis ball) has 58 calories, 14 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein, 0 grams fat, and 2 grams dietary fiber (with the skin).  Peaches are naturally fat free, low in calories and sodium free.  Peaches provide potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber.  Try this fresh peach salsa recipe to add flavor to your pork, chicken or fish dish.

FRESH PEACH SALSA

3 ½ cups diced peeled peaches (about 2.5 lbs)
¼ cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Cover and chill. Serves 14 with a serving size of ¼ cup of salsa.  Each serving has 22 calories, 6 g carbohydrate, 0 g protein, 1 g fiber, and 0 g fat.

Call the Little River County Extension office at (870) 898-7224 or email cascarborough@uada.edu for more recipes or information on peaches.  Always feel free to stop by our office at 1411 N Constitution Ave in Ashdown to receive more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. The Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
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By Celeste Scarborough, MS, RD, LD
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough, MS, RD, LD
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.