Peaches ripe while on tree?

[mr_yan]

So this is my first year with peaches on my tree. While I know how to select ripe peaches from a grocer's I don't know when to pull the fruit from the tree. The fruit are getting to the size common in the markets and have turned bright orange / pink but are still rock hard.

Should I let the fruit go on the tree until slightly soft as I would eat it normally?

Should I let the fruit stay on the tree until I see the first evidence of pests eating it before it is soft?

This is a volunteer tree I got from a former coworker's yard so I don't even know when the expected ripening time is.

Thanks

 

[RonsGarden]

Good questions Mr Yan!
As I remember we picked the peaches once they turn color and give a gentle tug, if they come off the stems easily then they are ripe, even though they are hard. Let the fruit sit indoors for a few days for them to continue to ripen to the softness you like.
I prefer mine while they are still firm, but not hard!

 

[lynpenny]

I always picked mine based on how they felt. I didn't want them hard but I didn't want them too soft. so by feel.

 

[Crabbergirl]

We pick by how they feel. Just like in the store. Ron is right on the mark with the fact that they should come off the tree easily.