There’s nothing that says summer in Michigan quite like biting into a perfectly ripe peach. With its fragrant aroma, juicy sweetness, and vibrant color, the peach is one of the season’s most beloved stone fruits. Whether you enjoy them fresh off the tree, grilled, baked into desserts, or tossed into savory dishes, peaches are incredibly versatile—and they're just as nutritious as they are delicious.

At Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, peach season is one of our favorite times of the year. Whether you're looking for the perfect peach to snack on, create a beautiful dessert, or elevate your next meal, you'll find plenty of inspiration in our produce department.

How to Pick the Perfect Peach

When selecting peaches, look for fruit that:

• Has a sweet, fragrant aroma near the stem
• Gives slightly when gently pressed
• Has smooth, vibrant skin without bruises or soft spots
• Feels heavy for its size, indicating it's full of juice

Avoid peaches that are hard as rocks or have green undertones, as they were picked before reaching peak ripeness. If your peaches aren't quite ripe, leave them on the counter for a day or two. Once ripe, refrigerate them and enjoy within a few days for the best flavor.

Why Peaches Are So Good for You

Peaches aren't just delicious—they're packed with nutrients that help support overall health.

Rich in Vitamin C: Peaches are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system, promotes collagen production for healthy skin, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Good Source of Fiber: One medium peach contains about 2–3 grams of fiber, helping support healthy digestion and keeping you feeling satisfied longer.

Naturally Hydrating: Made up of nearly 90% water, peaches are an excellent way to stay hydrated during the warm summer months.

Packed with Antioxidants: Peaches contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, polyphenols, and vitamin E that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall wellness.

Heart-Healthy Nutrients: Peaches provide potassium, an important mineral that supports healthy blood pressure, muscle function, and heart health.

Low in Calories: With only about 60 calories per medium peach, they're naturally sweet while fitting beautifully into a healthy lifestyle.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Fresh Peaches

One of the best things about peaches is how easily they fit into both sweet and savory recipes.

Eat Them Fresh: Sometimes the simplest preparation is the best. Slice fresh peaches for breakfast, enjoy them as an afternoon snack, or add them to a lunchbox. Toss them into cottage cheese, greek yogurt, cereal, oatmeal or your favorite smoothie. 

Toss Into Salads: One of our favorite summer salads here at Nino’s is our Founder’s Daughter Mediterranean Salad. Celebrate the best of summer with this vibrant, colorful salad featuring creamy burrata, juicy peaches, sweet cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and bursts of fresh pomegranate. Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle savory bite, while crunchy pistachios provide the perfect contrast in texture. Finished with a simple dressing of fresh orange juice and honey, this elegant salad is a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crisp flavors—perfect as a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or an impressive addition to any summer gathering.

Grilled Peaches: Summer's Sweetest Treat

Few fruits transform on the grill as beautifully as fresh peaches. The heat caramelizes their natural sugars, creating gorgeous grill marks while intensifying their sweetness. At the same time, the peaches become tender and juicy without losing their shape, making them equally delicious in savory dishes, salads, desserts, and even cocktails.

How to Make Grilled Peaches: Choose peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm so they hold together on the grill. Simply cut them in half, remove the pit, lightly brush with olive oil or melted butter, and grill over medium heat for 3–5 minutes per side until lightly charred and softened.

Delicious Ways to Use Grilled Peaches

Grilled peaches are incredibly versatile. Try them in:

• Grilled Peach Burrata Salad with fresh basil, arugula, pistachios, and a balsamic glaze
• Prosciutto & Grilled Peach Crostini topped with whipped ricotta and hot honey
• Grilled Peach Caprese with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction
• Peach & Berry Summer Salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, toasted pecans, and citrus vinaigrette
• Grilled Peach Salsa with jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime served over grilled chicken or fish
• Grilled Peach Flatbread with burrata, prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of honey
• Grilled Peach Pork Chops finished with a rosemary pan sauce
• Grilled Peach Chicken Salad with blueberries, feta, candied pecans, and champagne vinaigrette
• Vanilla Ice Cream Sundaes topped with warm grilled peaches and caramel sauce
• Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowls with grilled peaches, granola, and local honey
• Peach Shortcake with grilled peaches, whipped cream, and buttery biscuits
• Peach Bourbon or Peach Bellini Cocktails using grilled peaches for an extra layer of flavor

Air Frying Peaches: A Simple Alternative To Grilled Peaches

How to Air Fry Peaches: Air-fried peaches are perfect for quick desserts, breakfast toppings, salads, or served alongside grilled meats.

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Halve and pit the peaches.
• Lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter or olive oil.
• For extra caramelization, sprinkle lightly with brown sugar or cinnamon if desired.
• Place peaches cut-side up in the basket.
• Cook for 6–8 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Nino’s Favorite Toppings for Grilled or Air-Fried Peaches This Summer

While we are obsessed with grilled and air fried peaches, we love topping them even more. Get super creative this summer and skip the traditional pies. Here are some of our favorite toppings for this sweet summer treat: 

Sweet Favorites

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Greek yogurt
• Mascarpone or Sweetened ricotta cheese 
• Honey or Hot honey
• Maple syrup
• Salted caramel sauce
• Dark chocolate drizzle
• Cinnamon and/or Brown sugar
• Toasted coconut
• Granola
• Toasted pistachios
• Candied and honey roasted pecans

Celebrate Michigan Peach Season

There's nothing quite like a fresh Michigan peach. Grown in the rich soils and moderated by the Great Lakes, Michigan peaches are known for their exceptional sweetness, vibrant color, and incredibly juicy texture. While peaches are available throughout the summer, peak Michigan peach season typically runs from late July through early September, when local orchards are harvesting some of the freshest fruit of the year. At Nino Salvaggio, we look forward to the peach season every summer because local peaches simply taste better. They're picked closer to ripeness, travel fewer miles from orchard to store, and deliver outstanding flavor whether you're enjoying them fresh or using them in your favorite recipes.

Beyond the Grill

Fresh Michigan peaches are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them:

• Sliced over yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.
• Blended into smoothies.
• Added to fruit salads or green salads.
• Layered into sandwiches and wraps with turkey or prosciutto.
• Baked into crisps, cobblers, pies, and galettes.
• Mixed into homemade salsa or chutney.
• Pureed into cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, or iced tea.
• Served on charcuterie boards with artisan cheeses and cured meats.
• Preserved as jams, preserves, or freezer peach slices to enjoy long after the season ends.

Check out our recent blog post, “Build The Ultimate Summer Charcuterie Board with Nino Salvaggio” for more fun and creative ways to use summer’s gorgeous peaches. 

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, preparing an elegant summer dinner, or simply enjoying a healthy afternoon snack, fresh Michigan peaches bring bright, naturally sweet flavor to every meal. Be sure to enjoy them while they're in season—it's one of the sweetest traditions of a Michigan summer. Have extra peaches on hand? Slice ripe peaches and freeze them for smoothies, baking, or homemade sorbet long after peach season has ended.

Make the Most of Peach Season

Like all great summer produce, the peach season is fleeting. Now is the perfect time to enjoy them at their sweetest and juiciest while they're at their peak. Whether you're preparing a simple breakfast, hosting a backyard barbecue, baking a family favorite dessert, or creating an elegant summer salad, fresh peaches add beautiful color, natural sweetness, and incredible flavor to every meal. Visit your neighborhood Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace to discover the season's finest peaches, along with artisan cheeses, fresh herbs, bakery favorites, premium meats, and everything you need to create memorable summer meals. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with sunshine—there's no better time to enjoy peaches than right now. 

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