There is nothing like picking a just-ripe peach off the tree. If you don’t have a personal tree, consider planting one before the end of this season or order one for planting next spring. Harvesting your own mature peach is one of the most satisfying experiences of the year.
Most peach trees bear fruit between the harvest window of June and August; maturity dates are dependent on the variety. Check maturity dates when ordering a tree.
Most peaches sold in grocery stores have been brought in from miles away; the fruit have been picked before peak ripeness to make sure they are intact when they get to the market. They are often rock-hard, but firmness is necessary, as ripe peaches would be smushed before reaching the market. Peaches picked for transport will never achieve the aroma and flavor of a ripe peach picked off the tree.
Peaches that are picked early will eventually soften but will never reach physiological maturity. This means that, while a peach will soften, colors will not deepen, sugars will not accumulate, and aromas will not emanate. Peaches can exhibit good color before they are ripe, but if picked before physiological maturity, they may soften although the interior flesh is mealy; the flesh has softened before sugars accumulated.
The guides to harvesting a mature peach is an experience that activates all the senses. Here are indicators that a peach is ready for harvest.
• Skin color. Sight is the first indicator that a peach is ripe. Underripe peaches have green background color; as the peach matures the skin gradually transforms to a yellow, orange, or peach color. Yet color is just the first indicator.
• Firmness. Peaches change color before physiologically mature. A peach with full color may or may not be ripe. Touch is the next sense. An underripe peach will be firm, while a mature peach will yield slightly when pressed ever so gently; if it’s still hard, give it another few days.
• Once the peach passes the skin and firmness tests, the peach should easily slip from the tree with a gentle twist. If it does not come off easily, wait another day or so.
• Smell. When the peach is finally a candidate for picking and it is in your basket, the aroma is immediately sensed. Ripe peaches emit a sweet aroma.
• Taste. Last, a ripe peach is drippy juicy and oh, so sweet.
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