To select a ripe peach, ignore the rosy red blush and look instead at the background color, which should be uniformly yellow or cream, not green. (A trace of green at the stem end is OK.) Opt for peaches with a fragrant aroma and no bruises or soft spots. Cup your hand around the fruit and squeeze gently; it should give slightly, then spring back.

To store peaches that are just shy of ripeness, place them in a brown paper bag, fold it closed, and leave on a counter overnight.