Different Types of Peaches and How To Use Them

Summer at Brixstone Farms wouldn’t be complete without peaches—juicy, fragrant, and sun-kissed right off the tree. But not all peaches are created equal. From baking to grilling, canning to snacking, different varieties bring unique textures and flavors to the table. Knowing which type of peach to use can make all the difference in your recipe—or your next bite. Here’s a closer look at the different types of peaches and how to make the most of each one.

Clingstone vs. Freestone: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into specific varieties, it helps to understand the basic classification of peaches: clingstone and freestone.

  • Clingstone peaches have flesh that clings tightly to the pit, making them a bit messier to eat and harder to slice. But their soft, juicy texture is perfect for jams, preserves, and desserts.

  • Freestone peaches have flesh that easily pulls away from the pit, making them ideal for fresh eating, baking, and canning.

  • Semi-freestone peaches fall somewhere in between, offering the best of both worlds.

Popular Peach Varieties and How To Use Them

Yellow Peaches

These classic peaches have a vibrant golden skin with a reddish blush and a sweet-tart flavor.

  • Use for: Baking, grilling, pies, cobblers, or simply sliced fresh

  • Best variety examples: Red Haven, Elberta, and O’Henry

  • Farm tip: Their firm texture holds up well when cooked, making them a go-to for just about any recipe.

White Peaches

White peaches are lower in acid, with a delicate, super-sweet flavor and pale pink to creamy skin.

  • Use for: Fresh eating, fruit salads, salsas, smoothies

  • Best variety examples: White Lady, Sugar Lady, or Snow King

  • Farm tip: These peaches are best enjoyed raw to preserve their mild, floral notes.

Donut (Saturn) Peaches

These squat, disc-shaped peaches have tender, sweet flesh with minimal fuzz and a small pit.

  • Use for: Snacking, kids’ lunches, light desserts

  • Best variety examples: Galaxy, Stark Saturn

  • Farm tip: Their fun shape and candy-like sweetness make them an instant favorite with kids and adults alike.

Nectarines

Though technically not peaches, nectarines belong to the same family. The main difference is their smooth skin.

  • Use for: Grilling, tartines, baked dishes, salads

  • Best variety examples: Fantasia, Arctic Queen

  • Farm tip: Nectarines can be used just like peaches but offer a firmer texture and slightly spicier flavor.

How To Pick the Perfect Peach

When choosing peaches, let your senses be your guide. A ripe peach will give off a sweet, floral fragrance that’s hard to miss. Gently press the fruit with your thumb—there should be a slight give, indicating that it’s ripe and ready to eat. Be cautious of fruit that’s too firm or overly soft, as it may be underripe or past its prime. Visually, look for vibrant, even coloring with no green undertones near the stem, which can signal that the peach was picked too early. A well-colored, fragrant peach with just the right amount of softness is your best bet for peak flavor.

Pro Tips for Using Peaches

If your peaches are still a bit firm after bringing them home, you can ripen them by placing them in a paper bag on the counter for a day or two—this traps natural ethylene gas and speeds up the ripening process. When it’s time to peel them, try blanching the peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transferring them to an ice bath. The skins will loosen and slide off easily, saving you time and effort. To preserve peaches for later, slice and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for easy access to peachy goodness all year long—perfect for smoothies, baking, or snacking.

Final Thoughts: There’s a Peach for Every Plate

Whether you’re biting into a sun-warmed freestone or simmering a clingstone into jam, peaches bring versatility and flavor to the season. At Brixstone Farms, we love celebrating each variety for what it brings to the table—sweetness, tartness, texture, and tradition. So the next time you're picking peaches, think about the dish you want to create—and let the fruit guide the way.