Get excited because August is National Peach Month! ThirdLeaf NW knows a thing or two about the best peaches, so we’re going to show you some tips and tricks for picking the best peaches. With over 300 different peach varieties in the U.S. and over 2,000 worldwide, there are so many to choose from! Certain peach varieties are better for certain activities such as a quick snack, baking, or picking, so don’t stop until you find the one that’s best for you!
Peaches are often a vibrant yellow color with red and orange hues on the skin. These dark spots mean they have been exposed to sunlight and are ready to be eaten! The more yellow, the less ripe the peach is. If there are any green spots or bruising, you definitely will want to skip those.
Peaches should also have a floral aroma or something fairly sweet. If you’re not smelling anything, this probably means your peach isn’t ripe. At the very least there should be a somewhat sweet scent, indicating its ripeness.
Peaches should also be soft and slightly squishy. Not too much that you break the skin of the peach, but it should give a little, especially on the darker red spots. If your peach is too squishy, it is probably overripe. The perfect peach is blushed with red and orange spots with a sweet aroma and gives slightly to touch.
Keep these facts in mind when planning your next trip to go peach picking! Peach picking season extends through August, so make sure to take advantage of the fruits in season as summer comes to a close.