All About Peaches
Your complete guide to peaches - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Peaches Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for peaches in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unripe at Room Temperature2-5 days (until ripe)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive softness or mushiness before ripening, dark sunken spots, shriveling, mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black patches), sour or alcoholic smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or dark, bruised areas. Gently feel for firmness; it should gradually soften. If it's rock-hard and shriveled, it may not ripen well. A sour or fermented smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in a single layer on the counter, away from direct sunlight. Placing them in a paper bag can speed up ripening. Do not wash until ready to eat.
Ripe at Room Temperature1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Very soft or mushy texture, extensive bruising, dark spots, mold growth, strong sour or fermented odor, sticky or slimy surface.
How to Check
Visually check for any fuzzy mold, discolored patches, or extreme shriveling. Gently press; it should yield slightly but not be mushy. Smell for a fresh, sweet aroma; a sour, alcoholic, or musty smell is a sign of spoilage.
Storage Tips
Consume quickly or move to the refrigerator to extend shelf life. Wash just before eating.
Ripe in Fridge5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots turning mushy or watery, dark brown or black discoloration, mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black), shriveled skin, loss of sweet aroma, sour or fermented smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or extensive dark, soft spots. Touch the skin; it should be firm but yield slightly. If it's overly soft, slimy, or leaking juice, it's likely spoiled. Smell for any off-odors like sourness or alcohol.
Storage Tips
Store ripe peaches unwashed in a plastic bag or the crisper drawer to help retain moisture and prevent absorption of fridge odors. Wash thoroughly just before eating. Peaches are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let them sit out for 30 minutes before serving if possible.
Frozen6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Extensive freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery patches), significant changes in color after thawing (beyond normal browning if not treated), off-flavors or odors after thawing, excessive internal ice crystals (not just surface frost).
How to Check
Visually inspect for large areas of freezer burn. After thawing, smell for any sour, rancid, or 'off' odors. The texture will be softer than fresh, but it shouldn't be completely mushy or slimy. Taste a small piece if visual and smell tests are inconclusive; discard if the flavor is unpleasant.
Storage Tips
For best results, peel, pit, and slice peaches. To prevent browning, toss slices with a little lemon juice or ascorbic acid. Pack tightly into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use directly in cooking.