Should you pick peaches before they are ripe, or let them ripen on the tree?
Question:We have a peach tree at the back of our property. In years past, the peaches haven't looked all that good. But this year it actually looks like they are going to be good quality. Do we pick them before they are ripe and let them ripen in a paper bag, like you do with bananas? Or let them ripen on the tree?
Answers:
It's a judgment call. The longer they can ripen on the tree, the better they will taste. But they longer they ripen on the tree, the more subject they are to over-ripening, bugs, birds and falling off the stem when they get too heavy.
The best way, IMHO, is to check them at least once every day as they near peak ripeness. Pick them the day before you think they are at their best sweet juicy readiness.
Good luck!
Wait until they are ripe for the best flavor.
Let them ripen on the tree. If you pick them before they are ripe you might as well just buy them at the store.
More Related Questions & Answers...