In Australia, fresh peaches are in season from November to March, with the sweetest and juiciest fruit available during the summer months of December to February.
Choose peaches with vibrant colour and a sweet fragrance. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn't feel mushy. Avoid fruit with green patches, bruises, or wrinkled skin.
Peaches originated in China over 4,000 years ago and were once considered a symbol of longevity and good fortune. Despite their name, peaches are closely related to almonds—the seed inside a peach pit is botanically very similar to an almond.