If You See White Stuff on Your Peach Pit, This Is What It Means
Updated: Nov. 10, 2023
Enjoying a juicy ripe peach? Don't let the white stuff (also known as peach callus tissue) stop you.
Summer is prime time for fresh stone fruits. Everything from cherries and plums to peaches is in season and at your fingertips. Whether you grab stone fruits from a local farm stand, head out to an orchard to pick them yourself or pick up a pound in the grocery store, they’re ideal for baking crisps and crumbles, as well as munching on their own for a refreshing summer snack.
Of course, plump, juicy peaches are a summer favorite, but have you ever cut open a peach to find white spots on the pit? It’s peach callus tissue. And while it may seem unappetizing, there is good news! This strange white substance is perfectly safe.
What Is Peach Callus Tissue?
There’s nothing worse than taking a bite out of a piece of fresh fruit, only to find something weird inside. But in this case, there’s no need to worry. Its appearance may seem alien-like, but it’s certainly not a foreign substance, You may find this white residue or white dots on the actual pit of your peach, or it may be hiding in the cavity once you’ve removed the pit.
Callus tissue may also be referred to as undifferentiated cells, meaning that it’s a group of cells that hasn’t actually fully developed just yet. It occurs naturally within the peach, and it’s quite common to find when you dive in to take a bite.
Is It Safe to Eat?
While it’s not the most appetizing feature of a peach, it’s still safe to consume. It’s not a parasite, bacteria or any other harmful substance, nor is it mold or bug eggs, though I definitely frantically searched the internet for all of these when I found white stuff in my peach!
If you’ve got more questions about stone fruit, we broke down the differences between nectarines and peaches.
Recipes to Make with Fresh Peaches
Golden Beet and Peach Soup with TarragonOne summer we had a bumper crop of peaches from our two trees, so I had fun experimenting with different recipes. After seeing a beet soup recipe in a cookbook, I changed it a bit to include our homegrown golden beets and sweet peaches. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Pretty Peach TartWhen ripe peaches finally arrive at local fruit stands, this is the first recipe I reach for. The tart is perfection—a delightful way to celebrate spring's arrival! You can make the tart with other varieties of fruit, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Peach-Blueberry Crumble TartThis easy-to-prepare tart is a family favorite, fresh out of the oven or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —James Schend, Culinary Deputy Editor, Taste of Home
Pretty Peach JamThis homemade jam has been a favorite in my family for as long as I can remember. It's a delicious medley of fruits, including peaches, cherries, pineapple and orange. —Theresa Beckman, Inwood, Iowa
Peach Cobbler Dump CakeThis is one of the best peach dump cake recipes in the world. It's sweet, tender cake with a beautifully crisp cobbler topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and dessert's golden. —Keri Sparks, Little Elm, Texas
Slow-Cooked Peach SalsaFresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. As a treat, I give my coworkers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
Here's how to freeze peaches during peak season so you can enjoy ripe and juicy peaches all year long.
Peach BruschettaAs a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors. —Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California
Slow-Cooker Peach CrumbleI look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don't always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This slow-cooker dessert (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Just Peachy Pork TenderloinI had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. —Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Baked Peach PancakeThis dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it right from the oven to the table, fill it with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best cook I know) asks me to make this. —Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey
Pickled PeachesFresh peach quarters soaked in vinegar, sugar and warm spices are a classic southern treat. Serve with ice cream, pound cake, roasted meat and veggies, or mix into your favorite salad greens.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rich Fruit KuchensThis German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota
Georgia Peach Ice CreamMy state is well known for growing amazing peaches. This ice cream has been a family favorite for more than 50 years! —Marguerite Ethridge, Americus, Georgia
Raspberry Peach Puff PancakeHere's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Raspberry Peach JamWhen my jam won a first-place pink ribbon at our local county fair, I was overjoyed but it's not the highest compliment that recipe has received. Two girlfriends that I share it with tell me if they don't hide the jam from their husbands and children, they'll devour an entire jarful at just a sitting! —Patricia Larsen, Leslieville, Alberta
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitOne summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Peaches & Cream Jelly RollCake rolls make a lovely presentation for a party, and they are simple to cut into even slices. My father taught me how to make them, and sometimes we get together and make them for family and friends. —Malena Coleman, Rockville, Indiana
Originally Published: August 03, 2021
