Peaches are a deliciously sweet and juicy fruit that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of flavors. When considering what goes well with peaches, there are a few key flavors that are known to complement their natural sweetness perfectly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best flavor pairings for peaches so you can get the most enjoyment out of this summer treat.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a classic pairing for peaches that enhances their inherent sweetness. The rich, warm flavor of vanilla accentuates the fruitiness of peaches without overpowering them. Some delicious ways to enjoy peaches with vanilla include:
- Peach melba – Peaches served with vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sliced almonds
- Peach milkshake – Blended peaches, vanilla ice cream, milk and honey
- Peach panna cotta – Creamy vanilla panna cotta topped with peach compote
- Peach crepes – Crepes filled with peach slices and vanilla whipped cream
Cinnamon
The gentle spice and warmth of cinnamon is another excellent match for peaches. It brings out the sweetness of the fruit and gives it an extra layer of flavor. Cinnamon-peach combinations to try include:
- Peach pie – Pie crust filled with peaches, cinnamon and sugar
- Peach cobbler – Peaches baked with a cinnamon streusel topping
- Cinnamon peach jam – Sweet jam made from peaches, cinnamon and sugar
- Peach oatmeal – Oatmeal topped with sliced peaches, cinnamon and honey
Mint
Fresh mint adds a bright, cool contrast to sweet peaches. The menthol notes in mint cut through the fruit’s richness. Enjoy peaches with mint in these recipes:
- Peach mojito – Muddled mint and peaches topped with rum and soda water
- Mint peach salad – Sliced peaches, baby spinach, mint and feta
- Peach mint syrup – Simple syrup infused with mint and peaches
- Mint peach tea – Iced tea with sliced peaches and fresh mint
Honey
Honey is a natural partner for peach’s nectar-like flavor. When drizzled over peaches or used to sweeten peach dishes, honey draws out their juiciness and accentuates their sweet-tart balance. Ways to use peaches and honey:
- Honey peach yogurt – Greek yogurt topped with peaches and honey
- Peach grilled chicken – Chicken brushed with honey-peach glaze
- Peach honey muffins – Baked muffins with peaches and honey
- Peach honey salsa – Diced peaches, honey, jalapeno and cilantro
Basil
Like mint, fresh basil pairs surprisingly well with sweet peaches. Its slight peppery taste and fragrance offsets the fruit’s rich juice. Enjoy this combo with:
- Caprese peach salad – Peaches, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar
- Peach basil lemonade – Simple lemonade with muddled basil and peaches
- Peach basil chutney – Sweet and savory peach chutney with basil
- Peach basil pie – Pie with layered peaches, basil and pastry cream
Balsamic Vinegar
Aged balsamic vinegar may seem unexpected with fruit, but it makes an excellent complement for peaches. The vinegar’s sweet-tart depth pairs beautifully with peaches’ bright flavor. Try it in:
- Peach balsamic salad – Mixed greens with peaches, balsamic vinegar and shaved Parmesan
- Peach balsamic panzanella – Bread salad made with peaches, balsamic vinegar and fresh tomatoes
- Peach balsamic chicken – Seared chicken breasts topped with peach balsamic glaze
- Peach balsamic grilled fruit – Grilled peaches, nectarines, pineapple and plums tossed in balsamic
Prosciutto
Salty-savory prosciutto ham effortlessly balances the sweet juiciness of peaches. The contrast in flavors makes them an iconic appetizer pairing. Enjoy them together in:
- Peach prosciutto bruschetta – Grilled bread topped with peaches, prosciutto and goat cheese
- Peach prosciutto salad – Baby greens, sliced prosciutto, peaches, walnuts and vinaigrette
- Peach prosciutto pizza – Wood-fired pizza with peaches, prosciutto, arugula and Parmesan
- Peach prosciutto panini – Grilled sandwich with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and peaches
Ginger
Spicy ginger adds flair to peaches’ natural sweetness. It brings out new dimensions in the fruit’s flavor profile. Enjoy the duo in:
- Ginger peach jam – Sweet-spicy jam made from peaches, ginger and lemon
- Peach ginger sorbet – Cool, fruity sorbet swirled with ginger puree
- Peach ginger margarita – Cocktail made with peaches, ginger, tequila and lime
- Peach ginger chutney – Savory-sweet chutney with peaches, ginger, onion and vinegar
Lavender
The subtle floral note of lavender makes it an unexpectedly perfect pair for peaches. It adds aromatic depth without overwhelming the fruit. Lavender-peach combinations to try:
- Lavender peach cake – Vanilla cake baked with peaches and garnished with dried lavender
- Peach lavender lemonade – Lemonade with muddled peach and lavender
- Lavender peach jam – Sweet jam made from peaches, lavender and sugar
- Peach lavender ice cream – Vanilla custard mixed with peach swirl and dried lavender
Conclusion
Peaches are a highly versatile fruit that can be elevated by pairing with complementary flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, mint and honey. Their natural sweetness also balances well with unexpected partners like basil, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, ginger and lavender. With so many tasty combinations, it’s easy to add variety and excitement to recipes using summer’s finest peaches.