Of all New Jersey’s bountiful fruit, peaches may take the cake – or perhaps the peach cobbler. A versatile fruit, peaches can be used in every course and bring a little pizazz. The perfect peach is sweet, juicy, and flavorful as your teeth or knife cuts into it. Luckily, peaches can be found all summer long into fall – from early July to early October, in many varieties.
While many consider the peach an ingredient that is enjoyed as a snack or with dessert, it is surprisingly delicious in savory dishes as well. Though this may seem a little unusual, I can attest that it is a tasty discovery. I say discovery because I decided to create this summery dish as my Jersey peaches were basking in the sun, waiting to be eaten, on possibly one of their last days of being edible. Instead of making yet another peach pancake or peach crumble, I decided to make Jersey Peach Salsa.
Just Peachy, Jersey Peach Salsa
Ingredients
- Yield: 3 cups
- 2 ripe peaches
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 5 mint leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Wash and cut the peaches and tomatoes. It is up to you if you want to leave the skin of the peach on or not. I prefer to take it off for a smoother texture.
Cut jalapeno in small pieces and remove the seeds and white veins. If you like a lot of heat, keep the seeds and veins in, which are the source of heat.
Combine peaches, tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, bell pepper, lime juice, and mint. Depending on your preference of texture, you can put the salsa in a food processor and pulse a few times to make it smoother. Do not use the food processor for too long, unless you want a very smooth, watery, salsa. Season salsa with salt and pepper.
I’d recommend trying this salsa on grilled chicken, a piece of fish, corn on the cob, a brownie. Uh, well you get the point. It is great on pretty much anything and is the kind of fresh condiment that you will be dreaming about all winter long. Enjoy!
Allie Coremin, regional editor for Gloucester County, is a fashionable food enthusiast trying her best to eat healthy while enjoying all that there is to taste. On most days you will find her cooking something delicious in the kitchen, wearing a fashion savy apron of course. Join Allie as she cooks, dines and experiences all things food related Gloucester County has to offer – and shares it with you. Feel free to check out Allie’s personal blog and follow her on Twitter: @allieat.
