Peaches are a delicate fruit that bruise easily. Look for fragrant, smooth-skinned peaches without blemishes, soft spots or greenish skins. The peach flesh should give slightly when gently squeezed.

If you find yourself with a bunch of unripe peaches, put them in a paper bag that has a few air holes poked into it and leave them out for a few days. Some people like to add an apple to the bag, which releases a gas that speeds up the ripening process.