I have some beautiful peaches right now at Babette's. Running a dessert: Cobbled Peaches with Our Own Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Several of my customers have asked how to find a good peach. They are finding mealy, mushy peaches in the grocery stores. I often have the same problem.
The peaches that are shipped to grocery stores, even some of the ones from Georgia are picked too early,(very yellow) and chilled to just above freezing before they are shipped. I think if they freeze, they become mushy when ripened.
My produce company buys the peaches from a local source. They are a beautiful color. Sometimes they come in a little hard, but they always ripen into smooth, sweet, juicy and luscious little gems while left at room temperature. Small farmer's markets should have good local peaches and they are worth the trip.
Sometimes I have luck in the stores by looking for a peach with good deep reddish color. They should be mostly firm, with just a little softness near the skin. Take them home and leave them on the counter until they are soft. At that point, if you haven't eaten them all, they can be chilled.
I think I got lazy and slept thru peach season. Went to Whole Foods today and couldn't fine one! My bad. Settled for some good looking heirloom tomatoes and some nice raspberries. But I'm coming in Tuesday day with a friend and I'll try some of yours. And a Fall Feast?? You're such a tease. Have already made a booking......can't wait for summer to end.
Bill
Posted by: Bill Jones | August 14, 2011 at 06:13 PM
Just stumbled here, and I love the insider view you give on the restaurant industry.
I've been experimenting a ton this peach season. One of my favorite recipes was a peach ice cream using the actual peach leaves as well, it turned out amazing.
Thanks for the culinary inspiration! I am an aspiring restaurateur and just started my blog here: http://www.openarestaurantnow.com/.
Posted by: Chris | September 08, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I have never been extremly fond of peaches but found the most juicy, sweet & natural tasting peaches at a local farmers market in Blairsville, GA. Surely, grocery stores do no justice to it.
Posted by: sucheta | September 19, 2011 at 05:23 PM
I love peaches but it seems so expensive here, How I wish when I go to Marla's Restaurant I will eat good peaches pie.
Alvin
Posted by: nuvali restaurants | September 21, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one
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