Indian peaches AKA Iowa White peach, Cheroke Peach and Blood Red peach, botanical classification Prunus persica, are a very productive late season heirloom variety of freestone peaches. Freestone peaches are peaches whose seeds are easily removed from the flesh. There are only two other known varieties of peaches similar to the Indian peach, the Sanguine de Manosque and the Sanguinole peach, both heirloom varieties from France. They share the red-flesh trait, yet each variety ripens at different times and varies in size and climate temperance.

Indian peaches are distinguished by dark red flesh, their fairly large size and their velvety thin skin with mottled layers of red tones throughout. Their tender firm flesh is marbleized with ruby and crimson red streaks from the skin to the fruit's stone. Indian peaches' high acid content contributes to a tart, brisk mouthful with undertones of blackberry, plum and baking spices.

Serving Ideas

Generally, freestone peaches are fresh-eating peaches, yet Indian peaches are fairly versatile and have a reputation as a superior canning and baking peach. They can also be utilized for fresh fruit salads, for savory salads and appetizers, sauced into preserves or roasted and pureed. Complimentary pairings include other stone fruits, honey, egg custards, lavender, lemon, orange, cardamon, basil, arugula, cayenne, chiles, marcona almonds, mascarpone, burrata, chevre, vanilla, white chocolate, yogurt, hazelnut, pistachios and olive oil.

Geography/History

Indian peaches are an Old World fruit. Spanish explorers brought the Indian peach to Mexico during the 16th century. A century later, explorers discovered Indian peach trees being grown by native tribes in Southeastern United States. Unlike most stone fruit, which are grafted from budwood, the Indian peach is readily grown from seed, thus making it easily transported and sown. Indian peach trees were one of 38 varieties of peaches selected for Thomas Jefferson's South Orchard at Monticello, where the peach trees still grow today. They are a relatively novel variety though, found rarely outside the U.S. and never in a supermarket. Their presence is scarcely made at summer farmers markets, specialty markets and roadside fruit stands.

Seasons/Availability

Indian peaches are available during the summer.