Discover the Delicious Sweet Flavor of Doughnut Peaches
Introducing the Delicious Doughnut Peach
If you love peaches, get ready for your new favorite summer fruit: the doughnut peach! This unique variety has been gaining popularity over the last few years thanks to its incredibly sweet flavor and fun, flattened shape that resembles a doughnut. Keep reading to learn all about this amazing fruit, where to find it, and how to enjoy it!
What is a Doughnut Peach?
The doughnut peach, also known as a flat peach or saucer peach, is a natural genetic mutation of regular peaches. Unlike the rounded, plump peaches you're probably used to, doughnut peaches are oblate in shape. This means they are short and squat, with a distinctive flattened top and bottom that gives them a doughnut-like appearance.
These peaches originated in China and were brought to the United States in the mid-1800s. For many years they remained a niche fruit, but they have exploded in popularity in recent times. Farmers markets and specialty grocery stores now commonly carry doughnut peaches in the summer months when they are in season.
Appearance and Flavor
At first glance, the doughnut peach is certainly visually striking. The flattened ends and round sides create a very unusual and fun fruit shape! They are on the smaller side, averaging about 3 inches in diameter.
The skin of the doughnut peach is smooth with red and yellow blushing when ripe. The flesh inside is white or yellow and has a sweet honey-like flavor with subtle acidic notes. Many people describe the taste as a mix between a peach and a nectarine.
Overall, doughnut peaches tend to be much sweeter and more intensely flavored than regular round peaches. Their higher sugar content gives them a delightful candy-like taste that makes them addictively good!
Best Uses for Doughnut Peaches
So you've got your hands on some beautiful, ripe doughnut peaches. How should you enjoy them? Here are some of the best ways to eat these unique fruits:
- Eat them raw as a healthy snack - Their portable size makes doughnut peaches perfect for throwing in your bag to eat on the go.
- Slice them into a fruit salad - The sweetness pairs nicely with other fruits like berries or melons.
- Make peach pies, jams, or cobblers - The flattened shape actually helps doughnut peaches hold their shape better when baked.
- Grill halves and serve with ice cream - The heat brings out even more sweetness.
- Puree into a peach smoothie - Adds natural sweetness without needing added sugar.
- Infuse into iced tea or cocktails - Muddling doughnut peaches makes a delicious summer drink.
You really can't go wrong when eating a doughnut peach raw! But they also shine beautifully in desserts, as the starfruit in a salad, or cooked into sauces and chutneys. Let your imagination run wild with all the ways to use doughnut peaches!
Selecting and Storing Doughnut Peaches
Look for doughnut peaches at farmers markets, produce stands, and well-stocked grocery stores in the summer. They have a relatively short peak season from June through early September.
Select peaches that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when gently pressed. Avoid any with bruises, holes, or soft spots. The skin should have a nice glow to it.
Ripeness is key when choosing doughnut peaches. A bright yellow background color with red blushing indicates ripeness. Greenish peaches will need a few days to ripen on the counter.
Store doughnut peaches at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, move them to the refrigerator to slow further ripening and extend shelf life. Consume within 3-5 days for best flavor.
Where to Buy Doughnut Peaches
Here are some of the best places to find doughnut peaches in season:
- Farmers markets - Check for doughnut peach varieties from local orchards.
- Specialty grocery stores - Many upscale markets now stock unique produce like these.
- Fruit stands - Look for doughnut peaches at roadside farm stands.
- Pick-your-own orchards - Drive out and pick ripe peaches straight from the tree.
- Online - Some companies ship fresh doughnut peaches overnight.
If doughnut peaches are not available fresh, you may also be able to find them frozen, canned in syrup, dried, or made into jams and preserves. Check your local stores or search online when they are out of season in your area.
Growing Doughnut Peaches
Home gardeners rejoice - doughnut peach trees can be grown in many climates! Here are some tips if you want to try growing this unique fruit yourself:
- Plant bare-root or potted trees in early spring.
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Space trees 15-20 feet apart if planting multiple.
- Water young trees regularly to help establish roots.
- Fertilize in early spring when growth starts.
- Prune trees yearly to promote fruiting wood.
- Thin developing fruit so peaches have 2-4 inches between them.
- Harvest ripe fruits gently by hand in summer.
With proper care, you could be picking homegrown doughnut peaches for years to come! Consult your local nursery or extension office for the best growing tips in your climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common doughnut peach questions:
Are doughnut peaches genetically modified?
No, doughnut peaches are completely natural. They originated as a genetic mutation in regular peach trees, giving them their unique flattened shape.
How is the flavor different from regular peaches?
Doughnut peaches tend to be much sweeter and more intensely flavorful than regular peaches. Many people describe them as candy-like or ice cream-like due to their high sugar content.
Can you bake with doughnut peaches?
Absolutely! Their compact shape and dense flesh makes doughnut peaches perfect for baking into pies, cobblers, crisps, and other desserts. They hold their shape well when heated.
Are doughnut peach trees self-pollinating?
Most doughnut peach varieties are self-fruitful, meaning they do not require a separate pollinator tree. However, planting multiple varieties can increase pollination and yield.
How long is doughnut peach season?
Doughnut peaches have a relatively short harvest window, usually only 6-8 weeks from mid summer into early fall. Exact timing depends on the variety and your climate.
That covers the most important things you need to know about enjoying doughnut peaches! In summary, seek out this fun flat fruit at farmers markets and specialty stores in the summer for a sweet treat. Store properly, use in a variety of recipes, and even grow your own trees. The doughnut peach is sure to become your new favorite stone fruit.
FAQs
How do you know when a doughnut peach is ripe?
Look for doughnut peaches that are brightly colored with a yellow background and red blushing. They should feel heavy for their size and give slightly when gently pressed. Avoid hard, under ripe peaches.
Can you eat doughnut peach skin?
Yes, the skin on doughnut peaches is edible. It's very thin and tender. Many people enjoy eating doughnut peaches whole like an apple. The skin contains beneficial nutrients too.
What is the difference between white and yellow doughnut peaches?
The flesh inside can be either white or yellow. The flavor is similar, yellow peaches are just a bit more acidic. White peaches are very sweet. Choose based on your taste preference.
How do you cut a doughnut peach?
The easiest way is to simply slice the peach in half from top to bottom. You can also slice it in rounds horizontally if desired. Remove the pit before slicing.
Can you freeze doughnut peaches?
Yes, doughnut peaches freeze very well. Wash, dry, and slice peaches before freezing in a single layer on a sheet pan. Transfer to bags once frozen. Use within 6-12 months for best quality.
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