We love naked fruit around here. We've discussed naked lemons at length, and now we're talking naked peaches. Oh, the indecency. But this method of skinning peaches from Smitten Kitchen is too easy. You'll get to the cobbler (or the crumble) with less work.
We're a little embarrassed that we've never done this with peaches. We're always pitting, slicing, peeling. Pitting, slicing, peeling. But if you need to peel a bushel of peaches in a hurry, this is probably faster. Although Deb warns of slippery peaches sliding around on your countertop. Naked fruit doesn't always behave, you know.
So, here's the process:
• Make a small X at the base of the peach with a paring knife.
• Dip in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
• Slip off the skins.
Deb made a beautiful peach and blueberry cobbler with hers. Go take a look.
• Peach Blueberry Cornmeal Cobbler at Smitten Kitchen
Related: Make This! Fresh Peach Crumble
(Images: Deb Perelman, used with permission)
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I would like to send the recipe for the wonderful zucchini loaf but a friend cannot purchase goat cheese where he lives.Can you please suggest a substitute ?With thanks Laura
This method works for tomatoes and beets (you have to cook the beets all the way through) if you dunk in ice water afterwards.
Okay, I have tried this time and again with peaches (making x at base, drop in boiling water 30 seconds) and can't get the peels off. What am I doing wrong? I can get it to work with tomatoes just fine...
If the peaches aren't really ripe it can take a bit longer.
zuzupetals, you aren't the only one! I tried this for a peach pie with slightly-firmer-than-ripe peaches and ended up just peeling them like apples once they cooled (lots of work for a whole pie!). I would like to try this again with ripe peaches - the skins almost slip off ripe peaches without boiling them, anyway, so I bet this method would work better then.
I believe you're supposed to shock the fruit (be it peaches or tomatoes) in an ice water bath before peeling, so that they stop cooking and you don't burn your hands. :)
That said, I don't mind peach skin, so I always leave it on.
This is the only method I've known and it works like a charm every time .