A hard peach feels like a baseball with little smell or color, this peach is not ready to pick. A firm peach feels like a tennis ball and will be ready to eat in a few days. This peach can be stored in a brown paper bag to help ripen faster. A peach with some give is firm, yet is starting to feel soft with some pressure. This peach can be picked and enjoyed with a day or so. A soft peach is very soft to the touch, smells sweet and has good color. This peach is ready to eat immediately. For grilled peaches it is best to use a peach with give or firm one.