Peach puree is a versatile food product, both on its own and as an ingredient in other culinary dishes. In its most basic form, peach puree can be made by combining fresh ripe peaches with water in a blender or food processor. Peaches can also be steamed, blanched, or baked before being processed. Peach puree is commonly used for baby food, mixed drinks, and as a spread on breads and pastries. It often is also sold in a ready-to-use form by traditional retail outlets and online merchants.
Generally speaking, a puree can be made from many types of foods. Processed in a blender, or cooked and then strained, the ingredients in a peach puree are often just the peaches and water, but it is common for some people to add sugar for extra sweetness as well. Peaches normally blend well, so there is usually no need to add anything else to change the consistency.
Peaches contain several vitamins and minerals, making them a popular choice for baby food. They boast significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, for example. Their sweet taste makes them appealing to babies when served alone. Alternatively, peaches can be combined with other foods, such as vegetables, cereals, and even chicken, to make nutritious meals.
In many places, peach puree also is a popular cocktail mixer in alcoholic drinks, such as daiquiris, margaritas, and martinis. It can also be used in nonalcoholic beverages, including smoothies, lemonade, and tea. Associated with summer in most places, the sweet taste of peaches tends to pair well with citrus fruits, white wine, and other “light” ingredients.
Another common practice in some areas is to make a fruit spread from peach puree. In this case, sugar is usually added to the peaches and water when blending them. It can be used as a topping for breads, pancakes, or waffles. Other people mix it into yogurt or hot cereal as well. One average serving of the puree typically contains about 20 calories.
Peaches can be found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. When substitutions are necessary, nectarines are similar enough to peaches, except for their lack of the familiar fuzzy skin. Concern about pesticide use in the U.S. has led some health experts to recommend choosing organic peaches if possible. Those who wish to buy peach puree rather than making it themselves can often find it either fresh or frozen in gourmet food stores and from online food retailers.