Cathy Isom fills us in on how a sweet summer fruit is becoming a big hit on the grill. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Sweet Summer Fruit
From: Local Foods-About Food
How to Grill Peaches
Grilling Peaches Makes Them Sweet and Juicy
By Molly Watson, Local Foods Expert
Peaches take to the grill like fish to water. The quick cooking over live flames brings out their natural juiciness and intensifies their deep summer sweetness. Based on that description you might be inclined to think that throwing them on the grill would be a reasonable way to improve the flavor of less-than-perfect peaches. You would be fabulously correct.
For the best results, start with peaches (any type will do!) that are firm with just a little give when you give them a gentle squeeze with your whole hand.
Long story short, you want them to smell like peaches, especially if you sniff their stem end. Nine times out of ten, the better the aroma, the better the flavor. See more about How to Buy Peaches here for the best peach-buying skills in the land.
When you’re ready to grill, prepare a a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (you should be able to hold your hand about an inch above the cooking grate for 3 to 4 seconds before pulling it away from the heat).
If you have the grill going anyway but want it hotter, simply use the areas around the edges that are cooler for the peaches. Another tactic is to cook dinner, let the fire cool down, and then grill the peaches.
To Make Grilled Peaches:
- Cut the peaches in half and pit them. You can grill entire peach halves or cut them into wedges. Peeling the peaches isn’t necessary for the grill, but you
certainly can peel them, if you like. See How to Peel Peaches here for tips to make it easy on yourself. - Lightly brush the cut side(s) of the peaches with a neutral-tasting oil. I like to use cold-pressed grapeseed or canola for a clean flavor that doesn’t mar the peaches in anyway.
- Set the oiled peaches on the medium hot grill. They don’t need a ton of room to cook up nicely, but make sure they aren’t touching so the hot air of the grill can encompass each piece.
- Cook the peaches on all cut sides until grill marks form, turning as necessary to mark all cut sides for the best presentation. Cook until the peaches are tender, but not falling apart, about 8 minutes total.
Serve grilled peaches as a side dish (they are particularly yummy alongside grilled pork) or in salads (this Grilled Peach Salad is a favorite).
Get more recipes from Local Foods or USDA.
Now a great dish from Chef Emeril Lagassee.