Peaches are at their peak flavor and quality while in season. According to Michigan Grown, our state produces more than 21.2 million pounds of peaches annually. Between farmer’s markets and u-pick orchards, peach-loving families have plenty of options for enjoying this seasonal favorite. This sweet treat comes with along with an array of health benefits, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber supports digestion while its soluble counterpart helps regulate blood sugar and promote healthy cholesterol levels. Peaches also deliver a healthy dose of vitamin C for immune system support.
While the fruit tastes great on its own, it’s delicious when incorporated into both savory and sweet recipes. Try one of these three unique ways:
Peach Bruschetta
Serves 4-6
Impress your dinner guests with this easy sweet twist to traditional bruschetta. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the last of summer’s produce.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices, lightly toasted
- 2 Tbsp. balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- In a bowl, gently mix the diced peaches, cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper, tossing gently to combine.
- Spoon the peach mixture onto the toasted baguette slices. Top with balsamic glaze.
Peach Shaved Ice
Serves 2
This simple recipe is assembled by simply grating frozen peaches and topping them with honey, pistachios, and orange zest. While it tastes terrific on its own, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this treat to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 4 peaches, halved, core removed, frozen
- 2 Tbsp. pistachios, chopped
- 2 tsp. honey
- Zest from ½ orange
Instructions:
- Over a serving bowl, prepare a single serving by using a grater to grate two frozen peaches. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of honey over the mixture and top with 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios and orange zest.
- Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Grilled Peach Salad
Serves 4
This summertime salad features grilled sweet peaches contrasted with peppery arugula, creamy avocado and goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Serve alone or with a grilled protein, like marinated chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients:
- 3 peaches, cored and sliced
- Spray oil
- 2 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 cup arugula
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup honey-roasted pistachios
- ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- Balsamic vinaigrette to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Spray the peach slices with oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- Remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, add lettuce, arugula, avocados, cherry tomatoes, pistachios, goat cheese, and grilled peaches. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
Author: A Healthier Michigan
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
