If you spend all year looking forward to your annual July-August peach harvest haul, we have some unfortunate news. According to recent reports, Georgia (aka the peachiest state) has experienced a devastating peach shortage this season due to a loss of 90 percent of this year’s crop after a February heat wave followed by two late-spring frosts. Big sigh.
This means that when we get our on one of these deliciously juicy stone fruits, we’re making the most of it. Ahead, we delve into some of our favorite peach recipes of all time—plus, a review of their bountiful health benefits (hellooooo, fiber) and a few recipes for stone fruits that aren’t peaches…because the peach shortage has been the pits.
Health benefits of peaches
Peaches aren’t just nice to look at (wink, wink). According to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, the quintessential summertime fruit is also packed with health benefits. “Peaches offer so much more than great flavor with no added sugars. Peaches are a fantastic source of fiber, too, which can help support your gut health,” Manaker says.
Manaker says that peaches get their cheery hue from carotenoids, a group of fat-soluble pigments also found in and veggies like carrots, squash, and tomatoes. The registered dietitian explains that peaches contain two forms of carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are linked to supporting eye health)—plus, they’re a great way to stay hydrated on a hot summer day. “Peaches also provide hydration and nutrients like vitamin C, which can help support immune health, and are a natural source of antioxidants, which can help support our overall health in various ways,” Manaker says.
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4 juicy peach recipes perfect for summertime
1. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Have guests coming over? Well, then it’s the perfect occasion to debut this grilled peach and burrata salad recipe by Downshiftology. It’s the ideal combination of sweet and savory with a touch of smokiness, thanks to the freshly-grilled peaches. Pair it with a side of balsamic glaze and fresh burrata for a balanced dish that’s tangy, refreshing, and creamy all in one. The hardest part about this recipe? Cutting the peaches correctly without making a total juicy mess. Ahem, a set of pliers might come in handy.
Get the recipe: Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
2. Panzanella Salad with Peaches and Corn
You definitely don’t need an excuse to eat like you’re on an Italian countryside vacation every day of the year. Case in point: This panzanella salad with peaches and corn by Love and Lemons that’s giving holiday and OOO vibes thanks to its gorgeous presentation and even more enticing ingredients. (Hi, gorgeous medley of tomatoes, crunchy corn, punchy red onions, and of course, sweet peaches.)
Get the recipe: Panzanella Salad with Peaches and Corn
3. Peach Galette
There’s no denying that baking can, at times, be a very daunting task. But galettes are one of the most forgiving ways to delve into the world of pastry-making. This peach galette by Feel Good Foodie features a homemade rustic pie crust that’s flaky, buttery, and, most importantly, perfectly imperfect. And at the center of it are fresh peaches lightly coated with a squeeze of lemon. It’s easily a 10 out of 10 on every level.
Get the recipe: Peach Galette
READ RELATED: Top 15 Foods High in Potassium
4. Peach Pancakes
Peaches on your mind the moment you wake up? These peach pancakes by Well Plated by Erin are exactly what you need. Made with whole wheat flour for an extra boost of protein and griddled with slices of fresh peaches, these pancakes are what flapjack dreams are made of.
Get the recipe: Peach Pancakes
Plus, two additional (non-peach) stone fruit recipes…just in case
Cherry Clafoutis
Since easy baked recipes are clearly on our minds, let us present you this cherry clafoutis recipe by Love and Lemons, that’s a French-inspired dessert that’s surprisingly very easy to make. (Although, it looks like something you’d be served at a five-star restaurant.) In this version of the dish, antioxidant-rich cherries are covered with a sweet, egg-based custard mixture that’s baked until light and fluffy. Serve it with a side of whipped cream, and you have yourself sheer perfection.
Get the recipe: Cherry Clafoutis
Avocado Mango Salad
For those with a mango tree in their backyard, once mango season rolls around, all bets are off as the overload of mangoes starts coming in hot. So, if you’re dealing with a surplus of the fruit, this avocado mango salad by Feel Good Foodie is one quick and easy way to serve it up that won’t get boring, no matter how many times you make it. Perfectly seasoned with a dash of cumin, chili powder, cilantro, and onion, this salad is equally as refreshing as it is tasty.
Get the recipe: Avocado Mango Salad
Of course, if you’re able to get your hands on peaches (lucky you) this season, these two recipes can also be made with peaches instead.
Learn how to make the vegan peach cobbler of your dreams:
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