August is National Peach Month

August is National peach month!

Peaches are a delightful fruit and are plentiful this time of year. If you are like me, you may have an adverse reaction to the fuzzy skin, but don't let that keep you from eating this nutrient rich and flavorful fruit. Eating peaches is one of the joys of summer.

It is believed that peaches were first brought to America by Spanish Missionaries who settled in California, which boast the largest peach crops in the nation. Other peach producing states include Michigan, Colorado, South Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, Georgia, which is known as the "peach state" and our very own Pennsylvania. Today the United States produces up to 25% of the worlds peaches. The peach is now the third most popular fruit eaten in the USA!

Nutrition: peaches are rich in vitamin C supplying 6 mg per peach, 193 mg of potassium, 5 mg calcium, 2g of fiber and only 40 Kcal per medium peach.

Availability: fresh peaches are available May through October, with August being the most plentiful month in the Northeastern states.

Selection: to select the best peaches smell them. If they smell sweet, this is an indication they have a sweet taste as well. Also look for peaches with a yellow or cream colored skin. Some varieties will also have a red/orange skin tone. Eat ripened peaches right away. If peaches have not reached ripeness place them in a brown paper bag for 2-3 days on your kitchen counter.

Storage: peaches at peak flavor are best eaten at room temperature. You may store peaches in your refrigerator for 3-5 days. Remove peach from refrigerator and place on counter for a minimum of one hour to reach room temperature and peak flavor.

Try this lovely Grilled Peach Salsa for a great topper to pork or chicken dishes.

Grilled Peach Salsa

Ingredients:

1 1/4 pound ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 teaspoon canola oil
2 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion
1 small jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 lime, zested and juice
1/4 to1/2 cup fresh cilantro
2-3 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint

Directions:

1. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with oil
2. Grill them over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until they just begin to brown
3. Grill them with the lid down so that the peaches get cooked through
4. Chop them into 1/4 inch pieces and toss with the other ingredients

Enjoy over grilled chicken, pork or fish.

Nutritional information: serving size about 3/4 cup. 76 Kcal, 2 g fat, 16 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 2 g fiber, 2 mg sodium and 10 mg cholesterol.

Recipe courtesty of the Keiser Permanente website.