Quick Answer
It takes approximately 6-8 medium fresh peaches to make 4 cups of sliced peaches. The exact number can vary based on the size and ripeness of the peaches.
Calculating Peach Quantities for 4 Cups
To determine how many peaches you need for 4 cups, you first need to understand some key facts:
- 1 medium peach is approximately 5-6 ounces with 1 1/2 – 2 cups flesh when pitted and sliced
- It takes approximately 2 cups of sliced peaches to make 1 cup pureed or diced peaches
- Peach yield varies based on ripeness. Riper peaches yield more usable flesh while firm peaches have less flesh.
Using this information, we can estimate that:
- Since 1 medium peach yields about 1 1/2 – 2 cups sliced, it will take 2-3 peaches to get 4 cups sliced.
- Or if you are pureeing or dicing the peaches, you’ll need 4-6 medium peaches to end up with 4 cups puree or diced.
So for 4 cups of fresh peach pulp, whether sliced, diced or pureed, you’ll need approximately:
6-8 medium peaches
The more ripe the peaches, the closer to 6 peaches. The firmer the peaches, the closer to 8. To increase your yield, look for peaches that are optimally ripe with a sweet fragrance and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Tips for Peeling and Pitting Peaches
To get the most usable peach flesh and accurately measure your 4 cups, it’s helpful to know the most efficient methods for peeling and pitting fresh peaches:
Peeling
- Score an X on the bottom of each peach with a paring knife.
- Blanch peaches briefly in boiling water, about 30-60 seconds.
- Transfer immediately to ice water. The skins will easily slide off.
- Rub the peach under cold running water to remove skins.
Pitting and Slicing
- Cut the peach in half from stem to bottom around the pit.
- Twist the halves to separate.
- Use the knife to cut the flesh and free it from the pit.
- Slice, dice or puree the peach halves as desired.
Proper peeling and pitting allows you to take advantage of all the usable peach flesh to maximize your yield per peach.
Substituting Canned or Frozen Peaches
If fresh peaches are not in season, you can substitute canned or frozen:
Canned Peaches
- 1 pound fresh peaches = 2 cups canned peaches, drained
- For 4 cups fresh, substitute 8 cups canned, drained
- Approximately 4 (15 oz) cans, drained
Frozen Peaches
- 1 pound fresh peaches = 1 1/2 cups frozen slices
- For 4 cups fresh, substitute 6 cups frozen
- Approximately 4 (10 oz) bags frozen slices
Make sure to thaw frozen peaches completely and drain canned peaches well to measure out the equivalent of 4 cups fresh.
How Much Peach Puree Yields 4 Cups?
If you are pureeing peaches, for example to make baby food, sauce or smoothies, the yield per peach changes:
- 2 cups sliced peaches = approximately 1 cup puree
- It would take 8 cups sliced peaches to yield 4 cups puree
- You’d need about 4-5 medium peaches to get 8 cups sliced
So for 4 cups of peach puree, the number of medium peaches needed jumps up to:
5 medium peaches
Pureeing concentrates the fruit pulp, so you need more peaches than if you were keeping them sliced or diced.
Using Peach Yield Data
Knowing how much usable flesh you can expect from fresh peaches allows you to estimate precisely how much you need to purchase from the store or farmers market.
Here is some data on approximate yields per peach size:
| Peach Size | Average Diameter | Average Yield Sliced | Average Yield Pureed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 2 – 2.5 inches | 1 – 1.25 cups | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
| Medium | 2.5 – 3 inches | 1.25 – 2 cups | 3/4 – 1 cup |
| Large | 3 – 4 inches | 2 – 2.5 cups | 1 – 1.25 cups |
You can use these benchmarks to estimate how many peaches you need to buy based on their size. For example, if you have mostly medium peaches averaging 2.75 inches diameter, you’ll get around 1.5 cups sliced per peach, meaning 3 peaches would yield 4.5 cups, perfect for 4 cups pureed.
Storing Leftover Fresh Peaches
When working with fresh peaches, you’ll likely have some leftover after prepping 4 cups worth. Here are some tips for storing the remaining fresh peaches:
- Refrigerate – Whole, pitted peaches or sliced pieces can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Freeze – Blanched peach slices or puree freeze well for 4-6 months. Leave headspace in containers and freeze on a baking sheet first for easy removal.
- Can – Peaches can be canned in syrup or juice using a water bath canner. Proper pH controls are crucial for safety.
- Dry – Peach slices can be dehydrated or dried in the oven on low for a chewy, concentrated snack.
Proper storage keeps leftover peaches fresh and delicious to enjoy later.
Common Uses for Fresh Peaches
What can you do with 4 cups of fresh peach pulp? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Smoothies – Puree with yogurt and milk for a sweet treat.
- Cobblers or crisps – Bake peaches into a sweet fruit dessert.
- Jams or preserves – Cook sliced peaches with sugar into a spreadable jam.
- Salsas – Dice and mix with tomatoes, onion and lime juice.
- Chutneys – Cook diced peaches into a savory-sweet condiment.
- Ice pops – Puree and freeze into refreshing fruit popsicles.
Let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities 4 cups of peaches can provide!
Nutrition Information
Peaches are more than just deliciously sweet – they provide ample nutrition:
- Rich in vitamins A and C, providing 15% and 13% Daily Value per cup.
- Good source of potassium, fiber, niacin, iron, and phosphorus.
- Contains beneficial plant compounds like chlorogenic acid, catechins, quercetin and coumaric acid.
- Only 60 calories per cup with 0 grams fat.
Plus, research on peaches indicates they may offer health benefits like:
- Improving digestion
- Protecting against obesity
- Lowering risk of some cancers
- Promoting skin and eye health
So savor those sweet, juicy bites of peach flesh knowing you’re giving your body an abundance of nutrition!
The Takeaway on Peaches for 4 Cups
To yield 4 cups of fresh peach pulp, you’ll need:
- 6-8 medium peaches if sliced, diced or pureed
- 4-5 medium peaches if only pureed into a smooth pulp
Ripeness, variety and size impact exact peach amounts. Know your yields per peach, account for pureeing pulp reduction, and store and use any leftovers properly. Enjoy the sweet flavors and nutritional benefits of peaches!
