How To Peel A Peach (The Easy Way)

Eating an unpeeled peach isn’t for everyone. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying one of August’s most prized fruits. (Plus, when you’re baking with peaches, making quick work of the peeling process will save you a lot of slippery, peeler-induced hassle.) Here’s everything you need to know about how to peel a peach—the easy way—and a quick video tutorial, just in case.

How To Peel A Peach

Equipment

1. A pot of gently boiling water
2. A bowl of ice water
3. A slotted spoon
4. A paring knife

Instructions

1. Cut a shallow X on the bottom of each peach using a paring knife.
2. Place each peach on a slotted spoon and carefully lower into the pot of boiling water.
3. Let them simmer in the water for approximately 30 seconds to one minute—just to blanch them.
4. Note: It might take up to two minutes to blanch an out-of-season peach.
5. After about a minute, use the slotted spoon to remove each peach from the simmering water and immediately place it into the bowl of ice water.
6. Let the peaches rest in the ice water until cool enough to touch.
7. Once they are cool, use your fingers to peel back the skin.

Watch: How To Remove The Skin From Peaches Easily