Peaches, botanical name, Prunus Persica, are a stone fruit and species within the genus, Prunus, alongside cherries, apricots, plums and almonds. There are hundreds of varieties of peaches, ranging from heirloom to hybrid. There are two different colors of peaches: yellow fleshed, known as golden and white-fleshed, known as silver. Peaches are also classified as clingstone or freestone, signaling to whether the fruit's pit hugs its flesh or is easily removed. Most yellow-fleshed peaches are clingstone varieties while white-fleshed peaches fall into the freestone category. The greatest difference between the two is really about texture and taste. Clingstone varieties tend to lean on the side of extremely juicy and flavor forward making them very suitable for baking and canning while freestone varieties are generally less succulent and thus chosen for fresh eating.

Yellow peaches are the quintessential peach. They are distinguished by their fuzzy thin skin with hues of red, pink and gold blushing throughout. The flesh is aromatic, juicy when ripe, and golden colored with red bleeds at the skin and surrounding the central rough surfaced rust colored pit. They are often identified as a traditional "true" peach, meaning the fruit exudes a classic peach flavor, balancing sugar and acid for a well-rounded flavor.

Serving Ideas

Peaches are great for fresh eating, poaching, baking, grilling and processing into jams, syrups, ice creams and preserving in syrup. They can be utilized for fresh fruit salads, for savory salads and appetizers and for desserts such as cakes and pies. Complimentary pairings include other stone fruits, honey, egg custards, lavendar, lemon, orange, cardamon, basil, arugula, cayenne, pepitas, marcona almonds, mascarpone, burrata, chevre, vanilla, white chocolate, yogurt, hazelnut, pistachios and olive oil.

Geography/History

All peaches are native to China, where the only wild peaches still grow today. Documentation of the first cultivated peach was recorded in Chinese manuscripts as early as the 10th Century BC. Peaches were then brought via the Silk Road to the Fertile Crescent, which is now modern day Iran. Global trade has brought peach tree cultivation into both the Northern and Southern hemispheres which experience opposite summers and winters allowing for year round availability. Regions and seasons do determine peach production. Peach trees require wet winters and hot dry summers and will not flourish in Oceanic climates.

Seasons/Availability

Peaches are available year round, with a peak season in late spring through summer.