The perfect peach is a versatile, sublime combination of tart, sweet, juicy and refreshing. The ideal Summer ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. While people think peaches grow mainly in America’s cobbler belt, Florida also grows amazing peaches. Some Summers our backyard trees are so jammed packed that I can barely keep up with their abundance. Jam, peach butter, salsa, smoothies, tarts, cobblers and a delicious prosciutto, ricotta and peach crostini have all been placed on our menu rotation this summer. There is still plenty left for freezing and dehydrating. Stone fruit in general pack a powerful nutritional punch. They are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants and dietary fiber just to name a few of their health benefits. Here’s a link which will clearly give you the information on the nutritional wallop peaches can deliver: http://www.organicfacts.net .

Some interesting peachy facts can be picked up from William Thomas Okie’s “The Georgia Peach; Culture, Agriculture, and Environment in the American South”. It’s available on Amazon.

Next up on my peach recipe list. A peach salsa to serve with this grilled meats and veggies.

Fresh Peach Salsa

This simple and delicious salsa is the perfect summertime snack or a refreshing accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats and vegetables.  I love it with eggs too!

Ingredients

One cup of peeled, pitted and chopped fresh peaches (mango, papaya or pineapple work well also)

1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes

1/2 finely chopped jalapeno pepper

1 handful of chopped fresh cilantro

1 cooked ear of corn – cut off the cob

Juice of 2 limes

Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper to Taste

Dash of Tabasco (optional)

Dash of Olive Oil (optional)

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss well.  Serve  immediately or cover and refrigerate.  Keeps about 5 days.