How to Peel Peaches

Peeling a peach with a knife or a peeler can be messy and time consuming. Fortunately, there is an easier way.

1. Bring a medium-large pan of water to boil. (To peel 5 peaches, I use 5 cups of water.)

2. Wash peaches thoroughly.

3. When the water comes to a boil, gently place peaches in the pan. (I use a slotted spoon for this.)

4. Leave the peaches in the boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds, making sure that they are completely submersed in the water. (If a peach is sticking out of the water, rather than adding more water and slowing the process, simply turn the peach over half way through the boiling time.)

5. With a slotted spoon, remove the peaches and place in a colander or in a bowl of very cold water.

6. Immediately rinse the peaches with very cold water to halt the cooking process. (If this step is skipped, the peaches may be mushy.)

7. Gently cut into the peel of the peach with a knife or pinch the skin between your fingernails to tear the skin. (I think that it works best to cut into the skin at the end or the top of the peach, but do whatever works for you.)

The skin should peel right off.

This should be easy but if it is difficult, place the peach back in the boiling water for another 30 seconds and then back in the ice water. This should remove the skin from the fruit.