How long do peaches last?

Let peaches ripen on the counter. Once ripe, they keep only 1 to 2 more days at room temperature, or 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Nectarines, plums and pears follow the same times. Sliced with lemon juice and sugar, they freeze for about 2 months.

Food	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
Peaches, nectarines, plums, pearsOn the counter until ripe, then 1 to 2 days. Fridge time is for ripe fruit. Freezer time is for slices with lemon juice and sugar.	3–5 days	2 months	Until ripe

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if peaches have gone bad

Mold, often fuzzy and gray, white or blue-green, especially around bruises or the stem.
Large soft, brown, sunken patches or leaking juice.
A fermented, alcoholic smell. Wrinkled skin means the fruit is drying out: use it in cooking.

How to store peaches

Ripen peaches stem side down at room temperature, not touching each other. A paper bag speeds up ripening.
They're ripe when they smell sweet and give slightly near the stem.
Move ripe fruit to the fridge to keep it a few days longer, and let it warm up before eating for the best flavor.
Pears ripen from the inside out: check the neck near the stem, which softens when they're ready.

Can you freeze peaches?

Yes, sliced, for about 2 months for best quality. Peel them if you like, slice them, toss them with lemon juice and a little sugar to stop browning, and freeze them in a single layer before bagging. Use them in smoothies, crumbles, pies and jams.

Questions

Should peaches be refrigerated?

Not until they're ripe: cold stops them ripening and can make them mealy. Ripe peaches keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge.

How do you ripen peaches faster?

Put them in a paper bag at room temperature, with a banana or an apple to add ethylene. Check them every day.

Can you eat a bruised peach?

Yes, cut away the bruise. If it has mold or smells fermented, throw it out.

Add stone fruit to ShelfLife, and get a reminder to eat it at its ripest.

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