I tried three different peach pitting methods and found the one I'll never abandon.

Growing up in Indiana, when peach season arrived, my mom would head to the farmer's market and grab peaches by the bushel. I watched her peel and slice them with lightning speed, only using a paring knife. After quickly removing the skin, she'd twist them in half and hand me the pitless half to enjoy. A sweet, nostalgic memory.

Although I've since moved to Illinois, my love for peaches is just as strong. Every time peaches appear in stores or at farmer's markets, I get excited and buy them in bulk just like my mom did. But unlike her, I almost never peel mine—I actually enjoy the peel. It's flavorful, and I love eating it. I usually eat the peach whole, though my daughter prefers hers sliced. Of course, she does.

So when I had the chance to test out the best peach-pitting hacks, I was thrilled. Struggling with peach pits myself (which is why I often eat them whole), I knew this experiment would be useful for me—and for my daughter too.

How I Tested the Peach Pitting Hacks

There are countless peach-pitting gadgets out there, but I don’t need another tool in my kitchen like I need another drawer full of pens. So, I skipped the gimmicks and just used the basics: my hands, a paring knife, and some needle-nose pliers.

The type of peach you’re working with makes a difference, especially for testing. Freestone peaches have pits that come out easily once you cut the fruit. On the other hand, clingstone peaches have pits that cling tightly to the flesh. Both types work with the hacks below, but you’ll get better results with freestone peaches. I only used freestone peaches for my tests.

The Ultimate Peach Pitting Method

Method #3: Use Needle-Nose Pliers

This hack gained popularity on TikTok a while ago, and I’m happy to confirm it works. To try it, grab a pair of clean needle-nose pliers (fishbone pliers also do the job). Gently open the pliers and insert them into the peach's shoulders. Once in, squeeze the handles, twist, and carefully pull out the pit.

Results: I was surprised by how well this method worked. The pit came out quite easily. However, I’m not sure it’s the most practical, since I’ll likely need a knife anyway to slice or further cut the peach. My advice? Give it a go for fun, but keep the tools in the drawer for the most part.

Method #2: Cut from Stem to Blossom End

This is how my mom always cut peaches. Take a sharp paring knife and, starting at the stem end, use the tip to cut into the peach. When you hit the pit, leave the knife in the peach and rotate it around the pit until you reach the other side. Twist the peach open, then use your finger to pull out the pit.

Results: This is a method I’ve seen my mom use, and it’s also popular among professional chefs. It’s simple, effective, and works best with freestone peaches.

Method #1: Cut the Peach Horizontally

This method is similar to the previous one, but instead of cutting from stem to blossom, you cut around the peach's middle, at the equator. Twist the peach, and you'll be left with one half containing the stem end and the other half with the blossom end. To remove the pit, cut around the middle again on the half with the pit, twist it open, and the pit will come right out with a gentle pull.

Results: This one is the clear winner! I absolutely love this method and am now a convert. It makes removing the pit incredibly easy, even with clingstone peaches. No extra tools are needed—just a couple of cuts, and you're done.

Now that you've mastered the perfect peach-pitting method, why not try one of these delicious peach desserts? Or, if you're in the mood for something savory, try a Grilled Chicken, Peach, and Arugula Salad, or top some fish tacos with Mango, Peach, and Pineapple Salsa.