Peach Salsa with Zesty Lime (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 4 ripe yellow peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
04 - 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Seasonings

06 - Juice of 1 fresh lime
07 - 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for depth)
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Peel and dice the peaches. If peaches are too soft to peel, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer immediately to an ice bath for easy peeling. Dice the red bell pepper and red onion. Finely mince the jalapeño.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
03 - Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture. If using, add honey and ground cumin. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently fold to mix evenly.
04 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to grilled chicken, pork, seafood, or tacos.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - For the best texture, select firm yet ripe peaches and dice all ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced flavor in each bite.
02 - For a milder salsa, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. To add more heat, leave some seeds intact.
03 - Pulse salsa briefly in a food processor for a smoother consistency, but avoid overmixing to preserve texture.
04 - Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days; flavors may intensify over time.