How to Keep Peaches Fresh Longer and Enjoy Their Full Flavor

I have a serious love for peaches, and when I finally spot them at the store, I tend to go a little overboard. I often end up buying more than I can eat in time, which leads to a dilemma: too many peaches, not enough time (or stomach space) to enjoy them.

The obvious answer is to turn any overripe peaches into jams, smoothies, or compotes. But what if I want to enjoy them fresh — whole, raw, and bursting with that perfect balance of sweet and tangy juice? Fortunately, there are simple ways to extend their freshness, ensuring I can savor them at their peak. Here’s what three food experts suggest.

How to Preserve Ripe Peaches

If you've got a perfectly ripe peach but aren't ready to eat it just yet, pop it in the fridge in a loosely tied plastic bag, recommends Jenny Friedman, a registered dietitian from Pennsylvania. 'I prefer using a thin produce bag from the store, twist it loosely, and tuck it into the produce drawer,' she says.

Storing peaches in cold temperatures can slow their natural ripening, and you can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days, says Toby Amidor, a registered dietitian from New York and author of 'Smart Meal Prep for Beginners.'

Be aware that cold storage can cause dehydration, leading to wrinkles, warns chef and restaurateur Claudia Sidoti. If you notice wrinkles on a refrigerated peach, it's best to eat it soon or freeze it for later use.

How to Store Peaches That Aren't Ripe Yet

If your peach isn't ripe yet but you're eager to enjoy it, place it in a sealed paper bag for 1 to 3 days to speed up ripening, suggests Amidor. 'Peaches, like bananas and avocados, release ethylene gas that promotes ripening,' explains Friedman. 'Sealing the fruit in a bag traps this gas, making the peaches ripen faster.'

Remember, ethylene gas is still active even when peaches aren't tightly sealed, and it can affect other nearby fruits. Sidoti advises caution if you have a mixed fruit bowl, as avocados, bananas, and other stone fruits might ripen quicker than expected.

If your peaches are still firm and you're willing to wait a bit, leave them at room temperature (away from other fruits) and they should ripen naturally within 3 to 5 days. 'The countertop is an ideal spot,' says Friedman.

How to Store Sliced Peaches

If you cut your peach and can't finish it all at once, brush the exposed flesh with citrus or an acidic fruit juice (like lemon or orange) to prevent browning, suggests Amidor.

Keep in mind that once you slice a peach, oxidation begins, which can degrade its vitamins. For this reason, it's better to cut larger pieces and, if possible, slice just before you're ready to eat, advises Amidor.

How to Freeze Fresh Peaches

If you find yourself with an excess of peaches that you can't eat in a week (or you'd like to enjoy them long after their fleeting summer season), freezing is a great option. Start by slicing your ripe peaches and freezing them on a baking sheet, advises Friedman. Once fully frozen, transfer them into a plastic bag and return them to the freezer. They should stay fresh for weeks.