When Is a Patio Peach Ripe?

Season

• Depending on the region of the country, peaches ripen between June and August. In the Northern areas, the season is later, ripening in July through August. In the Southern states, peaches ripen earlier, ready to pick in the middle of June through July. Late frosts and temperature fluctuations may impact the ideal ripening time.

Scent

• Ripe peaches have a sweet, fresh peach scent. Smell near the top of the fruit, where it meets the tree. If it smells sweet and peachy, it is likely ripe.

Skin Color

• The green undertone to unripe peaches disappears as the fruit ripens. Look for peaches with no green hue to the skin for an indication of a ripe fruit. The actual color of the skin will vary based on the fruit variety, but you should see a gold, yellow or rose tint to the fruit.

Firmness

• Choose peaches that feel slightly soft on the tree. Peaches that are overly soft may be overripe, but if you select peaches with just a slight give to the fruit, it will likely be soft, juicy and sweet. Do not squeeze the fruit, just push gently on the skin. If you squeeze it, you risk bruising the flesh.

Stem release

• When you pick a ripe peach, it will release easily from the tree with little pulling on your part. If you have to pull on the fruit, it is not fully ripe yet. Because peaches are prone to bruising, avoid squeezing the fruit too hard when you try to remove it from the tree.