Peach Spots: What Are Lenticels and Are They Safe to Eat?

The small dots on peach skin are lenticels — porous tissue allowing gas exchange (O₂ in, CO₂ out) between internal fruit tissue and atmosphere.

Key Facts

• Present on all fruits/vegetables (apples, pears, potatoes, tomatoes).
• More visible on thin-skinned fruits; darken with maturity.
• Completely harmless — not mold, bacteria, pesticide residue, or defect.
• Do not affect flavor, texture, or nutrition.
• Can be entry points for pathogens if skin broken (wash before eating).

Botany Note

Lenticels form from phellogen (cork cambium) in periderm; complementary to stomata (on leaves).