Peaches can be a bit particular when it comes to ripening, so knowing the right way to store them is key.

• Keep whole peaches at room temperature in a dry area, away from direct sunlight.
• The real secret? Store them on their shoulders (stem side down) and avoid piling them on top of each other to prevent bruising.
• Following these steps, peaches will ripen beautifully and stay fresh for 1 to 3 days.

If your peaches are ripe but you’re not ready to enjoy them yet, refrigeration is your best bet.

• To speed up ripening, place peaches in a bowl and cover them loosely with Glad™ Cling’N Seal™.
• To keep ripe peaches fresh, store them in a breathable bag with large holes in the fridge. If leaving them out, keep them in an open bag away from other fruits.
• Sliced peaches should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated to stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.

Want to save peaches for later? Freezing them is a great way to lock in their sweetness.

Basic Freezing Method

1. Slice fresh peaches and lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Flash freeze for about 4 hours.
3. Transfer the frozen slices into an airtight freezer bag like Glad® FLEX'N SEAL™ and store in the coldest part of your freezer.
4. Using this method, peaches will stay fresh for 2 to 3 months.

Extended Freezing Method (For Up to a Year!)

For even longer storage, try this method:

1. Score the bottom of each peach with a shallow "X".
2. Blanch peaches in boiling water for 60 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath for another 60 seconds.
3. Peel off the skins, halve, and remove the pits.
4. In a saucepan, make a light syrup with 4 parts water and 2 parts sugar. Let cool.
5. Coat peach slices in the syrup and transfer to freezer bags.
6. Stored this way, peaches can last 10 to 12 months!

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen peaches, here’s how to thaw them properly:

• Slow thaw: Place frozen peaches in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours, flipping the bag occasionally for even defrosting.
• Quick thaw: Submerge the sealed freezer bag in cool water, changing the water every so often until the peaches reach the desired texture.

Pro tip: The USDA advises against keeping sliced peaches at temperatures above 40°F for more than 2 hours.

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FLEX'N SEAL™ FreezerGlad Flex N Seal Freezer Bag Zipper Lock

A peach has gone bad if it has an off-putting odor, or if it’s badly discolored and mushy. Mold on the skin or around the stem can also indicate spoilage.

To avoid unpleasant odors, consider composting spoiled peaches in Glad™ Compostable Bags, or using Glad™ Trash Bags to dispose of them in an outdoor trash bin. If you choose to compost, be sure to follow local guidelines.

With these simple storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy the taste of fresh peaches all year long—whether in cobblers, smoothies, or straight from the fridge!