Leftover Peaches? (simple ideas and vegan recipes)

Peaches are one of England’s favourite fruits, super-tasty and easy to use in smoothies to puddings to baked goods. They are super-popular in Georgia, USA (the ‘peach state’) and also in China, where they originate from. Closely related to nectarines and almonds, they are also relatives of cherries, plums and roses.

So if you have some leftover peaches in the kitchen, here are some simple ideas to stop them going to waste.

Grilled peaches with vegan peach ice cream (Chef Ani) is simple to make. Top with maple syrup and toasted almonds, if you like.

Peaches and food safety tips

• Peaches are safe for most people to eat, but individuals with specific allergies (like birch pollen), IBS or FODMAP sensitivity, kidney disease (due to potassium) should avoid them. Diabetics and people with gout should also eat in moderation. Do not eat the pits, they contain cyanide (this breaks down harmlessly in compost piles).
• Avoid feeding whole peaches to babies, toddlers or swallowing difficulties. Mash or puree, or remove the skin and slice into manageable safe pieces.
• Like most human foods, avoid feeding peaches to pets (nor any fruit pips or seeds). Never cook with xylitol (also found in toothpaste and gum) if you live with pets, even a few dropped crumbs can be lethal).

Read more on food safety for people and pets. If used in recipes, bin citrus/rhubarb scraps, as acids may harm compost creatures (same with tomatoes, alliums – onion, leeks, garlic, shallots, chives and tea/coffee grounds (it’s okay to put them in food waste bins, made into biogas). 

For tinned ingredients, fully remove lids (put inside) or pop ring-pulls back over holes (pinch tops closed) before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.

To prepare fresh peaches, wash under cool running water (even if you plan to peel them), then trim off bruises with a clean knife. Bin any peaches with mould, slimy surfaces or a sour/boozy smell.

How to buy, store and freeze peaches

• Choose firm peaches with no green tint.
• Store at room temperature to ripen, then in the fridge for up to a few days.
• To freeze peaches, wash, slice (peel if wished), then pat dry with a paper towel or tea towel. Layer  on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Then freeze for 1 to 2 hours.
• Move into silicone food storage bags, removing air to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the bags, then store in the freezer for up to a few months.

Vegan ‘peaches and cream’ smoothie

This peaches and cream smoothie (The First Mess) makes use of seasonal produce, and makes a lovely change from berry smoothies.

Avoid stainless steel straws for children, dexterity issues or on the move.

Homemade vegan peach tart 

This peach tart (Rainbow Nourishments) is an adaptation of Anthea’s popular apple tart, and contains fresh juicy fruits and a buttery shortcrust pastry. Make your own pastry to avoid palm oil (keep fresh dough away from children and pets). 

Vegan peach upside down cake

Vegan peach upside down cake (Rainbow Nourishments) is a more local version of the pineapple favourite. It needs vegan butter, so choose a brand without palm (like Flora or Lurpak). A one-bowl recipe!

American-style vegan peach cobbler

This peach cobbler (School Night Vegan) is packed with juicy roasted fruits, and topped with a buttery biscuit. Serve with vegan vanilla ice cream.