How to buy, store and freeze peaches

Peach season is on and grocery stores are overflowing with bargain-priced baskets of this luscious summer fruit. Here are a few tips to help you through their short and sweet season:

When buying Avoid any green spotted ones; it's a sure sign that they're not ripe. Give them the sniff test - the best tasting peaches usually have a sweet smell.

Storage Peaches bruise very easily so handle them with special care. Store them on the counter in a basket; if you need them to ripen quickly, place in a brown paper bag.

Extras Don't hesitate to buy in bulk. Although my favourite way to eat peaches is right out of hand there's still lots of ways to use them up before they go bad.(See recipes below.)

Freezing: Save some peaches for later by simply placing peeled wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze, then tumble them into freezer bags. Squeeze out air and seal the bag, then store in the freezer for up to 6 months. These frozen wedges work well as a substitute for fresh in most baking recipes.

Get 10 recipes for fresh peaches here.