Peach out with these perfect Fourth of July dishes

Jun. 28, 2023

By Sierra Rosales

As seasons change, new fruits and vegetables come into season. Summer is my favorite season for picking apples, blackberries, blueberries, corn, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes and, most importantly, my favorite, peaches. I can’t even begin to count the sunny days my family and I picked fresh produce when we were looking for a fun activity together.

After picking peaches, we would typically make peach pie or peach crumble. I loved how the peaches slowly filled the whole house with a sweet smell. Peach pie and peach crumble were always best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Peach season begins at the end of June and lasts until about late August. There are many recipes that include peaches besides sweets. The two recipes shared this month are more on the savory side: a salad and a salsa. Fruits and vegetables can often be prepared in many different ways that you might not even consider.

Peaches are low in calories and high in antioxidants, vitamin A and C. A medium-sized peach is around only 50 calories but is packed with nutrients. Peaches also contain minerals such as potassium, fluoride and iron.

Along with vitamin A, peaches also contain beta-carotene. Beta-carotene facilitates vitamin A, which means it turns vitamin A into usable components in the body. Beta-carotene helps vitamin A benefit the eyes, mucus membranes and skin. There are so many reasons to eat peaches!

Step out of your comfort zone by picking your own fruit and vegetables and turn them into a dish you’ve never tried before this summer.

Caprese Peach Salad:
Two peaches*
Small carton cherry tomatoes*
Burrata or mozzarella balls
Basil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (heat balsamic vinegar, optional honey or sugar added, until it reduces)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Pepper
1. Cut peaches into thick slices. Grill or sauté the peaches in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium for four to five minutes.
2. Add cheese, basil, tomatoes, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a bowl and mix generously.
3. Place the mix from the bowl onto a large plate. Add the peaches onto the plate. Enjoy plain or on a baguette or piece of toast.

Peach Salsa:
Four peaches*
Two big tomatoes*
1/2 red onion*
One orange or yellow bell pepper*
One cup corn*
Four cloves garlic
Juice of two limes*
Cilantro
Teaspoon of salt
1. Chop peaches, tomatoes, red onion and pepper into small cubes. Mince garlic finely.
2. Add all ingredients into a bowl and juice the limes in. Be careful not to let any seeds into the salsa. Pair with chips or a baguette. If you enjoy spice, try adding jalapenos!
Items marked with an asterisk* are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Please contact us at 304-598-5181 for more information.