Vegan peaches & cream protein smoothie (The First Mess) combines fresh and frozen peaches with plant milk and yoghurt, vanilla, dates, almond butter, vanilla protein powder and ice. Serves two.
Mash peaches for young children (avoid for sensitivity to birch tree & pollen). Keep peaches away from pets due to natural cyanide. Read more on food safety for people & pets.
Ripen juicy peaches at room temperature, in season from July to September). Originally from China, peaches are particularly popular in the Deep South states of the USA (Georgia is known as ‘the peach state’).
How to Store and Prepare Peaches
Avoid peaches with mould or bruising and choose ones that yield slightly, when squeezed. Farm shops tend to sell loose produce (and peaches more likely to be organic and locally-grown).
To prepare, cut around the ‘dimple line’ with a sharp knife, then twist into two halves and slice (remove ‘fuzz’ with cold water). To remove tough skin, boil peaches for 15 seconds, then plunge into cold water.
Store fresh peaches in a silicone airtight container, away from other fruits in the fridge. To freeze peaches, wash and peel and remove pits, then pour water over and store in a freezer-safe container, up to a few months.
