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.

White peaches are low in acid, allowing for their natural sweetness to be more pronounced. Their skin is fuzzy and creamy white in color with blushes of red and pink. When ripe and at room temperature the fruit releases sweet aromatics. Like yellow fleshed peaches and nectarines, the amount of red or pink tones in the skin will differ with each variety, but has no bearing on the ripeness.

Nutritional Value

Peaches are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin A, niacin and potassium.

Serving Ideas

White peaches can be substituted for Yellow peaches in fresh recipes. White peaches have a much more delicate flavor and texture, though. Because of this, they tend to fall apart when cooked. Use these peaches in recipes where very little cooking needed. Peeling white peaches will enhance their flavor. They are wonderful fresh out of hand or sliced in both fruit and green salads. Serve alongside grilled meats or diced atop fish tacos for a sweet salsa. As a dessert, white peaches are great when paired with fresh cream or yogurt. Peaches store best at room temperature but can also be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.

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. The emergence of white peach varieties in the global market is a response to consumer demand for low-acid white-fleshed fruit, which has been favored for centuries in Asia. White peach tree cultivation now exists in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres which experience opposite summers and winters allowing for year round availability. Regions and seasons also determine peach production. White peach trees require wet winters for optimal bud production and hot dry summers for prolific, quality fruit. White peaches will not flourish in Oceanic climates.

Seasons/Availability

White peaches are available during the summer months.