1. When testing for ripeness, never squeeze or
press hard on the peach. Peaches blemish and
tear easily. 2. Peaches should not be washed
until just before you intend to use it. Washing
will remove most of the fuzz of the peach. 3.
Peaches can only become softer, they will not
get sweeter or riper -- that stopped when the
peach was picked from the tree. 4. To soften,
place the peaches in a single layer in a paper
bag. Fold the bag shut and place on the counter
-- not in the refrigerator -- out of direct
sunlight. A firm peach may take three to four
days to soften. For faster softening, add an
apple or banana to the bag; they give off
ethylene gas, which speeds up the process. Check
each peach daily.
