harvest | peaches
By MANDY SINCLAIR
Storage:
A perfectly ripe peach will feel slightly firm and have the most deliciously sweet fragrance. Peaches do not ripen once picked but will soften slightly when left at room temperature. Fortunately, for those of us that don’t have a peach tree in the backyard, commercial growers are picking fruit as ripe as possible before sending to market.
Store ripe fruit in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and bring to room temperature before eating.
What to do with glut
The natural sweetness of ripe peaches makes them ideal for chutney.
- Preserve
Peach & ginger chutney
20g butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4cm piece of ginger, finely shredded
8 peaches, peeled, cut into wedges
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup raisins
1. Heat butter and oil in a saucepan on medium, until butter melts. Cook onion for 5 minutes, until soft. Add ginger and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add peaches, vinegar, sugar and raisins.
2. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peaches have collapsed and mixture has thickened.
3. Spoon into hot, sterilized jars and seal. Refrigerate after opening.
Makes 2 cups
Photography by SUE STUBBS | Blog designed by RED PEPPER GRAPHICS
