The Most Erotic Fruit?

by Laura Donnelly — August 6, 2007

"No fruit is more laden with erotic metaphor" according to Alan Davidson, author of The Oxford Companion to Food. It has been noted many times in literature, especially French, of course, that the peach most closely resembles human flesh. William Morris described a perfect peach as being "pinch-ripe."

Peaches are tricky, temperamental little devils. What could be better than a perfectly ripe white peach in Italy, the skins so thin that waiters in restaurants simply give them a gentle little massage and they slip right out. Peaches that are so juicy you have to eat then over the sink, wishing you could catch every drip? And what could be worse than a beautiful rosy looking peach, that when cut into, yields a sad dry mealy interior?

Here's an easy, simple recipe for peach salsa that can be assembled in minutes, is non-fat and full of vitamins, and utilizes this most marvelous of summer fruits. This is great over any grilled fish, chicken, or pork tenderloin.

Peach Salsa

Serves 4 to 6

4 semi-ripe peaches
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeno, chopped (seed it if you don't like too much heat.)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, washed and chopped
1/4 cup diced sweet red pepper
1 Tablespoon mild vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Peel peach, if desired. Otherwise, cut into medium dice and combine with other ingredients. If preparing ahead, add a touch of lemon or lime juice to cut up peaches to help prevent browning. Toss gently, taste for seasoning. Let it mellow a few hours before serving. If peaches are not available, substitute nectarines, pineapple, or mango.