One of the simple pleasures of summer is the peach, the fuzzy-fleshed fruit that requires a napkin and results in smiling faces and sticky hands.

Nectarines, which are basically smooth-skinned peaches, are a bit sweeter and tend to be less tart. Although they taste quite similar, peaches are used more in recipes than their cousin and they go far beyond your basic Peach Melba and pie.

Cooking 'em

“I like to use my peaches in savory dishes,” said chef Alison Milwe, owner of the Wilton company AMG Catering and Events.

Grilled peaches with prosciutto and parmigiano-reggiano cheese is a favorite serving idea of the chef’s.

“Cut each peach in half and then take pit out,” directed the chef.  Grill each half flesh side up and voila! A simple yet unconventional way to serve this summertime favorite.

Milwe also suggests adding cubed peaches to salsa made with chopped fresh tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and lime juice.

“And I love sangria with fresh peaches,” added the chef.

Growing 'em

Discovering the wealth of recipes that peaches can be incorporated into, may get you wondering, ‘Why not just plant a peach tree in my yard and enjoy the freshest picked peaches possible?’

Well, it seems that peaches are much easier to prepare and eat than they are to grow.

“Most fruit trees are challenging and time consuming to grow and maintain,” said Young’s Nursery owner Dave Gindek. Pests and disease are very common for planted peach trees.

“They require a lot of maintenance to grow fruit and maintain a healthy tree,” Gindek explained. “It’s a challenge if you’re up for it.”

According to Gary Gao’s Horticulture and Crop Science page on Ohio State University’s website, peaches are easily negatively impacted by temperature changes in addition to pests and disease so appropriately covering the tree to protect it from the elements may be necessary for a fruitful season.

Buying 'em

If all this seems too much to enjoy a few extra juicy peaches, pick-your-own farms are located regionally. Silverman’s Farm Orchard in Easton is open for several hours daily and Warrup’s Farm in West Redding has fresh picked peaches for sale at their farm stand.