Do peaches and nectarines need to be refrigerated?

Quick Answer

Peaches and nectarines do not need to be refrigerated for ripeness, but can be refrigerated for longer shelf life once ripe. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process and helps prevent overripening.

Do Peaches Need to Be Refrigerated?

Peaches do not need to be refrigerated for ripening. In fact, refrigerating unripe peaches can slow down and disrupt the natural ripening process. Peaches will ripen best at room temperature, between 65-75°F. Once ripe, peaches can be moved to the refrigerator to slow further ripening and extend shelf life.

Here are some tips on peach storage:

  • Store unripe peaches at room temperature out of direct sunlight until ripe. Expect peaches to ripen within 2-4 days.
  • Do not refrigerate unripe peaches. The cold temperature can prevent ripening enzymes from working properly.
  • Refrigerate ripe peaches in a perforated plastic bag. This will slow ripening and extend shelf life for 2-4 days.
  • Consume ripe peaches within 2-3 days for best quality and flavor.

The signs of a perfectly ripe peach include:

  • A fragrant, peachy aroma
  • A background color that is more yellow than green
  • Yielding flesh when gently pressed
  • A seam that separates easily from the fruit

Once a peach is ripe, the refrigerator will help slow down further ripening. But leaving a ripe peach at room temperature too long can lead to overripening.

Why Refrigerating Unripe Peaches is a Problem

Peaches ripen best around 65-75°F because enzymes within the fruit are most active at those warmer temperatures.

When an unripe peach is refrigerated, those enzymes essentially shut down and stop working to ripen the fruit. This can lead to peaches that fail to ripen fully, even once brought back to room temperature.

If you need to slow down ripening, it’s better to wait until peaches are ripe before chilling them. Refrigerating ripe peaches will extend their shelf life without disrupting the natural ripening process.

Do Nectarines Need Refrigeration?

Like peaches, nectarines do not need to be refrigerated for ripening. Keep unripe nectarines at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Once ripe, they can be moved to the refrigerator to extend shelf life.

Here are some nectarine storage tips:

  • Store unripe nectarines at room temperature until ripe (2-3 days).
  • Do not refrigerate unripe nectarines. Let them ripen at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate ripe nectarines in a perforated plastic bag to extend shelf life 2-3 days.
  • Eat ripe nectarines within 2 days for best quality.

Signs that a nectarine is perfectly ripe and ready to eat:

  • Sweet, fruity aroma
  • Mostly red/orange skin with some green
  • Gives slightly when gently pressed
  • Stone separates cleanly from the flesh

Nectarines are very similar to peaches in texture, flavor, and storage needs. The main difference is the lack of fuzziness on the nectarine skin.

Storing Ripe Peaches and Nectarines

Once peaches and nectarines are ripe, you can store them in the refrigerator for 2-4 days to slow further ripening. Here are some tips:

  • Place ripe fruit in a perforated plastic bag. This prevents moisture loss while still allowing air circulation.
  • Do not wash the fruit until ready to eat. Washing removes natural protective coatings.
  • Sort through fruit every couple days and remove any that are overripe.
  • Let refrigerated fruit come to room temperature before eating for best texture and flavor.

The ideal refrigerator temperature for ripe stone fruit is 32-35°F. Any warmer and they will continue to ripen quickly.

Refrigeration helps slow the production of ethylene gas that contributes to ripening. It also prevents moisture loss and mold growth.

Picking Perfectly Ripe Peaches and Nectarines

Choosing peaches and nectarines at just the right ripeness takes a bit of practice. Here are some tips:

Inspect the Background Color

Ripe stone fruit will have more yellow, orange, or red background color rather than solid green. However, a small amount of green is normal.

Avoid Deep Red Flesh Near the Pit

This is a sign the fruit is overripe and past its prime. The flesh around the pit should be yellow or cream colored.

Check for a Sweet Aroma

Give the fruit a sniff. Ripe peaches and nectarines will smell sweet and fragrant. Unripe fruit has little to no scent.

Look for Smooth, Plump Fruit

Shriveled, wrinkled peaches or nectarines should be avoided. Ripe fruit feels heavy for its size and yields slightly to gentle pressure.

Inspect the Stem Area

Ripe fruit tends to separate easily from the stem with light twisting. Unripe fruit holds stubbornly onto the stem.

Consider Tree-Ripened vs Store-Bought

Tree-ripened fruit often has a better aroma, richer taste, and more delicate texture. Store-bought can still be good but may lack some flavor.

Getting familiar with signs of ripeness takes practice, but it ensures you get the best peaches and nectarines every time.

Preventing Overripening of Peaches and Nectarines

Once peaches and nectarines become overripe, their quality goes downhill fast. Here are some tips to enjoy perfectly ripe fruit without letting it go bad:

  • Refrigerate ripe fruit to slow further ripening.
  • Eat within 2-3 days of refrigerating for best quality.
  • Sort through fruit every 2 days and remove any that seem overripe.
  • Consider freezing sliced peaches or nectarines if you have more than you can eat.
  • Avoid leaving ripe fruit out on the counter too long.
  • Protect fruit from direct sunlight which speeds up ripening.

Signs that peaches or nectarines are overripe:

  • Very soft, mushy flesh
  • Shriveled, wrinkled skin
  • Brown or bruised spots
  • Fermented aroma versus fresh, sweet scent
  • Mealy or grainy texture

Ethylene gas contributes to overripening, which is why refrigeration helps extend shelf life. Keep enjoying perfectly ripe summer stone fruit with proper storage.

Storing Cut Peaches and Nectarines

Once peaches and nectarines are cut open, they need to be stored properly to prevent spoilage. Here are some tips:

  • Refrigerate cut fruit in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss.
  • If cut fruit will be used for a recipe later, add some lemon or orange juice. The acidity helps prevent oxidation.
  • Consume cut peaches or nectarines within 2-3 days for best quality.
  • Frozen sliced peaches or nectarines will last 8-12 months in the freezer.
  • Canning sliced peaches in syrup allows storage for 12 months. Follow proper canning methods.
  • Drying peeled, sliced peaches is another long-term preservation method.

Once the protective skin is removed, peaches and nectarines oxidize quickly when exposed to air. Acidity, refrigeration, and freezing help slow this down.

For minimal waste, only cut as much as you plan to serve. Refrigerate the remainder promptly in an airtight container.

Freezing Peaches and Nectarines

Freezing is a great way to preserve summer’s bounty of ripe peaches and nectarines. Here are some tips:

  • Wash, peel, pit and slice fruit. Discard any bruised or damaged portions.
  • To prevent browning, dip slices in acidic lemon water for 1-2 minutes.
  • Drain, pat dry and arrange slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Freeze until solid.
  • Transfer frozen slices to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air.
  • Label bag with contents and date. Frozen slices will last about one year.
  • Use frozen peaches or nectarines in smoothies, baked goods, compotes, or jams.

Freezing maintains the fresh flavor beautifully. For easier use, spread slices out before freezing so they don’t clump together.

Common Questions

Why do my peaches rot so quickly after buying them?

If peaches are rotting soon after purchase, they may have already been overripe when bought. Check for signs of overripeness like bruises, wrinkled skin, and soft mushy flesh. Purchase unripe peaches and allow them to ripen on the counter over 2-3 days for best quality.

How can you tell if a peach is unripe, ripe or overripe?

Unripe: Hard, bitter, crunchy flesh. Mostly green skin. No aroma.

Ripe: Fragrant, sweet smell. Yielding flesh. More yellow/red skin. Clean separation from stem.

Overripe: Mushy, mealy flesh. Wrinkled skin. Fermented smell. Bruises or mold.

Should you wash peaches before storing them?

It’s best not to wash peaches until right before eating. Washing removes the natural waxy bloom that helps retain moisture. Store dry, unwashed peaches in a breathable container like a paper bag.

Can you freeze sliced peaches?

Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve ripe peaches. Wash, peel, pit and slice peaches. Dip in acidic lemon water to prevent browning then freeze on a sheet pan. Transfer frozen slices to an airtight bag. They’ll keep for about one year.

How long do cut peaches last in the fridge?

Cut peaches will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To extend the shelf life, add some lemon juice to prevent oxidation and minimize exposure to air when storing.

Key Takeaways

  • Peaches and nectarines do not need refrigeration while ripening. Leave them at room temperature until ripe.
  • Once ripe, refrigerate peaches and nectarines to slow further ripening and extend shelf life 2-4 days.
  • Do not refrigerate unripe peaches or nectarines, as the cold prevents them from ripening properly.
  • Ripe peaches and nectarines should feel yielding, have sweet aromas, and show more background color.
  • Refrigerate cut peaches and nectarines promptly in an airtight container for 2-3 days of storage.
  • Overripe fruit has very soft, mushy flesh, wrinkled skin, and fermented aromas.
  • Freezing sliced peaches and nectarines preserves fresh flavor for 8-12 months.

The Bottom Line

Proper storage is key to enjoying peaches and nectarines at perfect ripeness. Keep unripe fruit at room temperature, then refrigerate ripe peaches and nectarines to extend shelf life without interrupting the natural ripening process. With a little practice inspecting ripeness, you’ll be ready to pick delicious fruit every time.

Leave a Comment