What To Do With Peach Pits: 9 Creative Uses

Peach season is finally here! These sweet, juicy stone fruits are an absolute treat during the summer months. However, once you devour the flesh, you’re often left with a hard, inedible peach pit. Before tossing them in the trash, consider these 9 creative ways to make use of peach pits.

1. Grow Your Own Peach Tree

The most obvious use for a peach pit is growing your own tree! Peach trees grow best in USDA zones 5-8. To get started, clean off any remaining peach flesh from the pit and let it dry completely. Next, place the pit in a plastic bag and store it in your refrigerator for 8 weeks. This cold stratification mimics winter conditions and stimulates germination. Plant the pit in a pot with soil, water regularly and place it somewhere with lots of sun. Once the risk of frost has passed, transplant your young tree outdoors. With proper pruning and care, you could be enjoying homegrown peaches in 3-5 years.

2. Make Peach Pit Tea

The peach pit contains a hard, almond-like core called a noyaux. This noyaux has a lovely, perfumed aroma similar to almond extract. Simmer cleaned, cracked peach pits in water for 15 minutes to infuse the water with flavor. Strain and enjoy this peach pit “tea” on its own or use it to lend a subtle peach essence to baked goods like cakes.

3. Peach Syrup

You can make a sweet syrup using peach pits along with the skins and flesh. Cover pits, skins and fruit scraps with water in a pot. Simmer for 45 minutes, then strain out the solids. Measure the liquid, return it to the pot and add an equal amount of sugar. Boil briefly until the sugar dissolves. Bottle the syrup and enjoy drizzled over pancakes, mixed into drinks or used in desserts.

4. Peach Pit Jelly

If you have a lot of extra pits consider making a batch of peach pit jelly. Crack the pits open and extract the noyaux. Cover with water and boil for 15 minutes. Strain out the pits. For every 2 cups of liquid add 1⁄4 cup lemon juice and 31⁄2 cups of sugar. Boil until it reaches the gel stage at 220°F on a candy thermometer. Ladle into jars, seal and store. Spread on biscuits, scones and more.

5. Peach Pit Body Scrub

The coarse gritty texture of peach pits makes them ideal for exfoliating skin. Grind dried pits into a powder using a food processor blender or mortar and pestle. Mix the powder with coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil along with essential oils if desired. Apply the scrub to roughen areas like elbows, knees and feet to slough off dead skin. Rinse clean.

6. Peach Pit Potpourri

Here’s a fragrant way to fill your home with peach perfume. Clean and dry pits thoroughly, then break them open to extract the noyaux. Place noyaux in an ovenproof dish and bake at 200°F until dried out, about 1 hour. Allow to cool completely, then break into smaller pieces. Transfer to a jar along with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and your favorite dried flowers or herbs. Enjoy the fresh, fruity aroma.

7. Peach Pit Fire Starters

Peach pits are very flammable when dry due to their high oil content. Save up pits over the season, cracking them open to expose the noyaux Allow pits and noyaux to dry out completely Then place them in cardboard egg cartons and pour melted wax over the top to hold everything together. These make excellent fire starters for your fireplace or campfire.

8. Peach Pit Beads for Jewelry Making

The oval shape and pretty color of peach pits make them perfect for crafting into beads for necklaces, bracelets or keychains. Clean and dry pits well, then paint or stain them with acrylic craft paint if desired. Glue a jewelry bail to the top of each pit using strong epoxy glue. String together with other beads for a handmade, natural accessory.

9. Activated Peach Pit Charcoal

Turn your peach pits into activated charcoal, which has many uses. Preheat your oven to 250°F. Place pits on a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Increase oven temperature to 450°F and bake pits for another 30 minutes. The pits will become black and crispy. Grind into a powder and store in an airtight container. Use to whiten teeth or make homemade soap.

Don’t let those peach pits go to waste next time you enjoy some fresh peaches. With a little creativity, you can transform them into something useful for your home, health or kitchen. Growing your own tree, making teas and syrups or crafting jewelry are all great ways to make the most of peach pits.