Summertime Peaches

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Peaches are one of the representative summer fruits. Not only are they juicy and sweet but peaches are also known to be good for your health and skin. In today's Close Up, we have tips on some great ways to enjoy plump peaches.

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At this lush peach farm in Gyeonggi-do Province. Everyone is busy harvesting. This time of the year is just the right time to pick ripe peaches. They are pretty large aren't they? Harvesting takes place mostly in early morning hours for the purpose of maintaining freshness. There are 3 different kinds of peach, the white, yellow and what's known as heavenly peach. White peaches are the softest of all known for their sweet juiciness and the best to enjoy as fresh fruit.

[Soundbite] Han Gwan-soo(Peach Farm Owner) : "Based on the suture line, the shape should be round and full."

Choose ones that are symmetrically shaped from the middle suture line. The stalk end should be yellow or bluish and have a clean cut. These are the sweet ones. Sliced into half, it does look delicious.

[Soundbite] Sim Seon-ah(Korean Cuisine Nutritional Institute) : "Peach is a leading alkaline fruit that prevents the acidification of body fluid. This helps to keep contracting summer immune disorders at bay. It's also rich in organic acids and vitamins A & C, effective in boosting metabolism and preventing vascular diseases."

Peaches are wonderful as is but today, let's try them in different dishes. The first dish is the moist and tender grilled peach and chicken breast which is ideal for those trying to lose some pounds. First make cuts on the chicken breast and season it with salt and pepper. Then it's marinated with a seasoning made with peach jam, mustard sauce, olive oil and soy sauce. Once the chicken is well marinated, it's time to grill on an oiled pan. Now let's tackle the peach. Peal it and slice it. Then grill the slices in a pan greased with olive oil. Make sure to use strong heat to maintain the fruit's moisture.

[Soundbite] Moon Mi-seon(Culinary Researcher) : "Grilled peach is higher in sweetness because moisture is evaporated in the heat. Peach also contains the antioxidant polyphenol and therefore helps to ease tiredness and prevent aging."

Now for plating, lay the chicken breast over panfried onions and the golden grilled peach goes on top. This amazing dish is rich in vitamins and protein. You can even make kimchi with peach. First with the skin on, cut up the fruit into cubes.

[Soundbite] Sim Seon-ah(Korean Cuisine Nutritional Institute) : "The skin contains dietary fiber, minerals such as potassium as well as phytochemical, known for antioxidant effects. So it's best advised to have peach with the skin on. However people allergic to the fine hairs on the skin should take precautions."

The seasoning is the same as the regular diced radish kimchi. Generously coat the diced peach with the kimchi seasoning. Peach kimchi is super easy to make. Peaches are wonderful eaten raw but they can also transform into grills, noodles or even kimchi. This summer, don't miss out on these tender, sweet delights.