Trying to choose our favorite summer fruit is a nearly impossible task. The sharp tang of forest berries, the juicy crunch of watermelon, the sweet-tart pop of plums … these are the jewels that we wait for all year long. But there is something impossibly delicious about a fresh peach, all soft fuzz on the outside and succulent tender fruit on the inside, that is pure seasonal perfection. While we won’t call it our favorite per se, peaches are the undisputed queens of summer produce.
Do you love these gorgeous stone fruits as much as we do? If so, here are six ways to make the most of Pennsylvania peaches while they’re in season (July through September):
Pick Your Own Peaches
There are plenty of orchards across the state that offer pick-your-own peaches all throughout the summer and early fall. Invite a few friends or head out with the family for a day of fresh air and farm vibes! Strolling an orchard is a lovely way to spend a few hours, and the bounty you bring home will let you make all of the peach recipes you’ve been eyeing up! Try Brecknock Orchards in Mohnton, Weaver’s Orchard in Morgantown, Indian Orchard Farm in Media, or Simmons Farm in McMurray.
Grill Peaches for a Savory Dish
Peaches typically land in the dessert zone, but that divine sweetness also contrasts beautifully in more savory dishes with cheeses, vinegar and salty meats. We’ve got a couple of options for you to try, using grilled peaches. The first is an oh-so-easy caprese salad with grilled PA peaches, homemade balsamic drizzle, fresh basil and local fresh mozzarella. Or, make a grilled PA peach burrata flatbread for four, ready to punch up your ordinary pizza night in just 20 minutes, made with fresh arugula, basil and burrata cheese on naan bread.
Buy Heirloom Peaches from the Farmers Market
We’ll be honest: this time of year, even the most generic peach from a supermarket is going to taste pretty good. But if you go the extra mile and head to your local farmers market, truly glorious peaches are your reward. You’ll likely find yellow and white peaches and nectarines, but why not branch out and try an heirloom variety you’ve never had before? With poetic names like Autumnglo, Ouchita Gold and Sugar Giant, these offer new flavor avenues to explore. Look out for donut peaches, as well, which are smaller and flat in shape!
Get a Scoop of Peach Ice Cream
Peach ice cream is perhaps the highest achievement possible for these fabulous fruits. Did you know there’s an entire festival held every August in Oley, PA dedicated to peaches and ice cream? Don’t let the summer go by without at least one scoop of this divine seasonal flavor! Find it at spots like Berkey Creamery in State College, Scoops ‘N’ Smiles in West Chester, Skips Dairy Bar in Tamaqua, and Millie’s PGH flavor (peaches, goat cheese and honey cornbread) in Pittsburgh. Extra points for a peach milkshake!
Enjoy Peaches + Booze
Cocktails like bellinis and bourbon smashes prove that peaches and alcohol are fast friends. Buy a bottle of PA spirits from your favorite producer and get mixing! Making peach puree is as easy as blending a cubed ripe peach with a few tablespoons of water, then straining. Or, make a punchy peach syrup by letting a few slices of peach infuse in simple syrup overnight. If you prefer a ready-to-drink peachy libation, check out Birdwatcher, a peach cider from Ploughman Cider; Freaky Peach, a barrel-aged sour from Troegs Independent Brewing; Peach Apricot, a melomel from Apis Mead & Winery; or try a glass of Peach Blossom wine from Maple Lawn Winery!
Bake a Peach Pie
A fresh peach pie is a thing of true beauty. The fruit gets so silky and honeyed when it’s baked, and the buttery shatter of nicely laminated pie crust is its ideal vessel. Whether you’re a pie purist, or you like to cover your slice with whipped or ice cream, peach pie is truly a slice of summer. Bake your own (a great way to use up your pick-your-own haul) or try a slice at pie-focused joints, like Lancaster Pie & Coffee in Lancaster, The Pie Place in Pittsburgh, Pie + Tart in Easton and Nomadic Pies in Kennett Square.
Autumn will be here before we know it, so don’t wait to buy up all the Pennsylvania peaches you can find! For more fun peach-spiration, head here. Let us know how you like to celebrate peach season in the comments here or on the PA Eats Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Feature photo: Philadelphia Orchard Project
- Pick your own photo: Weaver's Orchard
- Grilled peach flatbread recipe and photo: Dish Works
- Farmers market photo: West Chester Grower's Market
- Ice cream photo: Bigstock
- Freaky Peach photo: Troegs Independent Brewing
- Pie photo: Snapwire
