This year, Eckert’s Farm welcomed the largest peach crop in its recorded history, a glorious milestone that signals one of the most delicious times of year: peak peach season. Whether you are grabbing some of these luscious beauties from Eckert’s, your favorite farmers’ market, or the neighborhood grocery store, there are endless possibilities for enjoying them, says Angie Eckert, vice president of retail operations for the farm. Cooking or processing them is an option—a classic peach pie, homemade peach ice cream, or sweet and spicy peach jam are all wonderful options. If you are looking to experience the season’s bounty with a little less effort, however, Eckert suggests trying one of these simple ideas that are guaranteed to make your summer more delicious.
1. Enjoy a peach fresh from the tree. “There’s truly nothing like the simple joy of biting into a peach you’ve just picked yourself,” says Eckert. “Still warm from the summer sun, each peach is at peak ripeness, ultra-juicy, sweet, and fragrant. It’s an experience that perfectly captures the essence of the season and makes every orchard visit unforgettable.”
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2. Freeze peaches for smoothies all year long. “You can keep the taste of summer going even after peach season ends,” says Eckert. “Start by peeling and slicing your fresh peaches, then toss them with a fruit preserver to help maintain their color and flavor. Lay them out on a foil-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags. Whether blended into smoothies or added to baked goods, these frozen peaches are a convenient way to enjoy summer flavor year-round.”
3. Add a refreshing twist to your water. “I like to give my tap water an upgrade with a splash of natural fruit flavor,” says Eckert. “Drop in a few slices of peeled peach along with two strawberries to create a refreshing, subtly sweet infusion. It’s a beautiful, fuss-free way to stay hydrated while adding a bit of summertime brightness to your day.”
4. Give Caprese salad a seasonal upgrade. “You can elevate the classic Caprese salad with the addition of ripe peach slices,” Eckert says. “The sweet juiciness of the peach adds a delightful contrast to the tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s a simple twist that turns a traditional favorite into a celebration of peak summer produce.”
5. Tap into trending flavors with a peachy twist. “Topping cottage cheese with fresh sliced peaches turns the protein-rich dish into a treat that’s both nourishing and indulgent,” says Eckert. “Or you can embrace a European-inspired trend by soaking peach slices in red wine for a few hours. It’s a refreshing, grown-up treat that’s subtly sweet, slightly boozy, and effortlessly elegant.”
Learn more about peaches from Chris Eckert on the Arch Eats podcast.
Recipe: Eckert’s Summer Peach Pork Chops
A sweet and savory celebration of summer, this dish brings together juicy, farm-fresh peaches and tender pork chops for a flavorful main course that the whole family will love. The combination of peach preserves, fresh sliced peaches, and a touch of honey mustard creates a rich, tangy glaze that captures the essence of the season in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual backyard gathering, this recipe is a true taste of summer.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Eckert’s peach preserves (or preferred brand)
- 2 cups peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Season pork chops with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Add pork chops to the pan in a single layer, and brown for 2 minutes per side. Remove chops, and set aside.
- Add chicken broth to the pan, and increase heat to high, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to low.
- In a bowl, stir together peach preserves, sliced peaches, ground ginger, honey mustard, vinegar, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Add the peach mixture to the pan, and stir to combine.
- Return pork chops to the pan, and spoon peach mixture over the top.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, or until pork is cooked through and tender.
