How to Wash Peaches, and if You Should Use Vinegar

You should always wash peaches before eating them, and eating the peach's skin will give you more fiber.
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Juicy peaches make for a great snack simply eaten out of hand — or you can use the fruit in any number of dessert recipes, including pies and cobblers.

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Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber, per the USDA. You don't have to worry about overdoing your daily calorie allotment when you grab a peach either: A medium fruit contains just 59 calories.

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Tip

When buying peaches, look for fruits with a strong, peachy smell that give slightly when squeezed between your fingers. Note that a reddish color does not necessarily indicate ripeness, per the Clemson University Extension.

Always wash fruits before eating or using them because pesticides, dirt and other residues likely still cover the skin. And you'll want to skip peeling your peaches — many of the important nutrients are in the fruit's skin.

Here's how to clean peaches properly under running water.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh peaches

  • Bowl

  • Cold tap water

  • Kitchen towel or paper towels

  1. Remove any stems and leaves still present on the peaches.
  2. Brush away any visible dirt or residue by hand.
  3. Fill a bowl or partially fill your kitchen sink with water.
  4. Place the peaches in the bowl or sink, rubbing the surface of the fruit to remove dirt and residue.
  5. Rinse the peaches under cool running water.
  6. Dry the peaches gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, or lay them on a clean towel to air dry.

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Tip

Don't use a vegetable scrub brush to wash peaches. The delicate fruit can bruise or skin can peel off because of the brush's abrasiveness.

Should You Clean Peaches With Vinegar?

Washing your peaches under cool running water is enough to remove any dirt that may be on them. While it's not necessary to wash peaches with vinegar, doing so can minimize any bacteria living on your fruit — just note that the vinegar might affect the peaches' taste and texture, according to Colorado State University.

If you're set on cleaning peaches with vinegar, just mix 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar with 1 cup water in a bowl, add your peaches and swish them around for a few seconds and then rinse them well under cool water.

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