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Flat peach
Flat peach
Flat peach
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Flat peach
Saturn peaches
VarietyPrunus persica var. platycarpa
OriginChina

The flat peach, (Prunus persica var. platycarpa, formerly also called var. compressa) also known as the doughnut/donut peach or Saturn peach, is a variety of peach with pale yellow fruit that is oblate in shape.[1]

Description

[edit]
Yellow Doughnut Peaches

Flat peaches are flatter than fruit of more popular peach varieties. Their skin is yellow and red, and they are less fuzzy than many other peaches. The inside of the flat peach is white in appearance.

They are harvested in late spring through the end of summer.[2]

Flat peaches are usually sweeter than other peaches, but still have a recognizable peach taste. They are said to be more complex-tasting and flavorful, often described as possessing undertones of almond.[3]

Other names

[edit]

They are known by many other names, including doughnut peach or donut peach,[4] paraguayo peach,[5] pan tao peach, saucer peach, flat peach, belly-up peach, UFO peach, Chinese flat peach,[5] hat peach, anjeer peach (meaning "fig peach"), custard peach, wild peach, white peach, pumpkin peach, squashed peach, bagel peach, or pita peach.

History

[edit]

Despite commonly being called paraguayos in trade, there were no peaches of any variety in Paraguay before the early-mid 16th century, and today's flat peach probably originated in China – supposedly in the 19th century,[5] but this is merely the first time they came to widespread notice in Western countries. In China, it was known before then as pántáo (Chinese: 蟠桃; lit. 'coiled peach'), and made a significant appearance in the 16th-century novel Journey to the West, in which the Jade Emperor tasks Wukong to take charge of the Pan Tao Yuan ("Coiled Peaches Garden"). Later on, Wukong eats most of the rarer species of fruit in the garden and gains eternal life.

It was introduced to the United States from China in 1869.[6][4] However, peaches with such a fruit shape have been noted even before the Modern Era: in al-Bīrūnī's Kitāb aṣ-ṣaidana fi 'ṭ-ṭibb, a particular variety of peach is described as being shaped as if squashed by a kafīt (a spatula for preparing barbecued dishes like kufta) from both ends, and containing a hazelnut-sized kernel with brittle shell – in other words, differing from a normal peach in exactly the same obvious details as does the flat peach of today.[7] Al-Bīrūnī's work describes notable crops and medicinal plants focusing on the region between Mesopotamia and today's Pakistan, and considering how easily ripe peaches spoil in transport, this variety must have been local produce (while the kernel might still be recognizably different in a dried flat peach, the shape as described by al-Bīrūnī would not). Though al-Bīrūnī does not discuss a wide range of Chinese pharmacopoeia in his book, the central section of the Silk Road ran immediately to the north of the region where al-Bīrūnī's flat peaches were grown, and if today's flat peaches are not produced by convergent evolution, flat-peach seeds or young trees must have been traded[8] between the Mideast and China for the fruit's novelty value more than a millennium ago already. In this case, though the direction of this trade is not readily determinable, they would be a heirloom variety more than 1000 years old.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flat peach

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The flat peach (Prunus persica), also known as the donut peach or Saturn peach, is a distinctive of characterized by its flattened, disc-shaped with a central depression that gives it a doughnut-like appearance, typically measuring 5 to 7 centimeters in . Unlike the more common round , flat peaches have smooth to slightly fuzzy yellow skin blushed with red, white or yellow flesh that is notably sweet and low in acidity, and a pit that may be either freestone or depending on the variety. These peaches are prized for their juicy texture and mild flavor, making them a popular fresh for snacking. Flat peaches trace their origins to ancient , where wild pan tao (or peento) varieties were documented in Chinese texts as early as the 10th century BCE, with selections gaining legendary status for their unique shape and taste. The fruit was introduced to the in 1869 and underwent hybridization in the 1960s and 1970s at , leading to the development of the 'Saturn' variety, which was later trademarked as the "Donut Peach" by Frieda's Specialty Produce in 1986 to boost commercial appeal. Modern breeding efforts by organizations such as Agro Selection Fruit and Cep Innovation in , as well as Zaiger’s Inc. in , have expanded the range of flat peach varieties since the late 20th century. Cultivation of flat peaches is challenging due to their susceptibility to bacterial blight, easily split skins and pits from irregular watering, and variable ripening times, which demand precise orchard management including well-drained soil, full sun, and protection from excessive humidity. Major production regions include in , where the fruit is a characteristic table variety with high commercial value; the (particularly ); and European countries like , , , and , with the harvest season spanning late May to late September in the . Notable varieties include 'Saturn', 'Galaxy', '', 'Carioca', 'Samantha', and 'Flatbella', among more than 50 cultivars available in markets as of 2023. Flat peaches are primarily consumed fresh due to their eye-catching shape and superior sweetness, though they can be used in desserts, salads, or preserves, and recent studies highlight their strong activity and favorable physicochemical properties, such as varying content and aroma compounds across cultivars, contributing to their nutritional appeal. Their popularity has surged since the , driven by increased availability and demand for novelty fruits, despite higher prices stemming from cultivation difficulties.

Botanical Characteristics

Physical Description

The flat peach, a variety of Prunus persica, features an oblate fruit shape that is distinctly flattened, resembling a or saucer, with a prominent central depression surrounding the pit. This morphology results in a fruit diameter typically ranging from 5 to 7 cm. The skin is smooth and thin, often pale yellow with a or blush, and is less fuzzy than that of conventional round peaches, making it edible and contributing to the 's appealing appearance. The flesh is pale yellow to white, juicy, and tender, exhibiting low acidity (titratable acidity less than 0.4%) and high sugar content (soluble solids around 12-14% ). This composition yields a sweet, aromatic flavor profile that is milder and less tangy than that of round peach varieties. The flat shape provides a stark contrast to the spherical form of standard Prunus persica cultivars. The is , growing to a height of 3-6 meters with a rounded crown when mature. It produces lance-shaped leaves, 7-12 cm long, that are glossy and alternately arranged on branches. In spring, the tree bears attractive blossoms, typically 2-3.5 cm wide, appearing singly or in pairs before the leaves emerge.

Classification and Varieties

The flat peach is taxonomically classified as persica var. platycarpa (synonym: var. compressa), a variety of the peach species within the family and the Prunoideae subfamily. This classification distinguishes it from round-fruited peaches by its form, recognized as a distinct morphological variant since ancient times. The genetic basis for the flat shape arises from a partially dominant that compresses development, specifically a 1.7-Mb downstream of the PpOFP1 on , which regulates ovate family protein expression and alters geometry. This locus, often denoted as S, results in flat in heterozygous (Ss) individuals, while homozygous (SS) trees typically produce aborted or inviable , limiting propagation to heterozygous selections. Key cultivars include 'Saturn', a mid-season variety with white flesh, yellow skin blushed red, and sweet flavor, developed as an early modern hybrid. 'Flat Wonderful' features firm, dense, flesh ideal for baking and preserves, offering rich sweetness in a compact form. 'UFO' is a low-chill requiring about 250 chill hours, suited to warmer climates with its early and juicy yellow flesh. Chinese heirlooms like 'Pan Tao' (or Peento) represent traditional flat types, prized for their symbolic role and subtle, aromatic profile in East Asian . Breeding of flat peaches originated with selective from ancient Chinese landraces, such as 'Bian ', dating back over 2,000 years, focusing on maintaining the flat trait amid broader . In the , modern programs—particularly from the 1980s onward—hybridized these stocks with round varieties to enhance disease resistance against issues such as bacterial spot and , alongside improved yield and adaptability.

History and Origin

Ancient Cultivation in China

The domestication of peaches traces back to archaeological sites in Province, , where evidence of peach cultivation dates to approximately 8000 years (BP). These findings, including fossilized endocarps from settlements, indicate that humans began selecting for larger, more palatable fruits from wild progenitors in the Yangtze River Valley, marking the onset of systematic peach in the region. Flat peaches (Prunus persica var. platycarpa) have been cultivated in for approximately 2000 years. In ancient Chinese agriculture, flat peaches held a prominent role beyond mere sustenance, often grown in imperial gardens as symbols of prosperity and endurance. Texts such as the Shijing (Book of Odes), compiled around 1000 BCE, reference peaches in poetic odes celebrating their blossoms and fruits in rituals and daily life, underscoring their integration into (c. 1046–256 BCE) agrarian practices. Their cultivation emphasized aesthetic and ritual value, with flat peaches featured in banquets and offerings, rather than prioritizing high-volume production for commoners. Flat peaches also carried profound mythological significance, closely tied to Taoist lore as the pantao or "peaches of immortality." In legends surrounding the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu), these flat-fruited peaches grew in her divine garden, ripening every 3,000 years to grant eternal life to the gods at her celestial banquets. Artistic depictions from the (618–907 CE), including frescoes and scrolls, portray pantao as distinctly flat, reinforcing their symbolic link to and divine favor in imperial iconography. Early selection pressures favored these traits for their ornamental appeal and cultural resonance, as flat peaches evoked harmony and more vividly than round varieties, influencing their prioritization in elite gardens over utilitarian yields.

Introduction to the West

The flat peach, originating from ancient Chinese stock as the pan tao variety, began its dissemination to the West in the 19th century through botanical exchanges and trade routes. Flat peaches were introduced to Europe in the 19th century through trade from China, likely via Australia and the United States. By the mid-20th century, flat peaches gained traction in southern European cultivation, particularly in Italy and Spain, where they were adapted to Mediterranean climates. In Sicily, the variety was introduced around 1950, establishing niche plantings that persisted despite limited scale. In Spain, production began with local selections in regions like the Ebro Valley and Catalonia, but expanded significantly in the 1980s through imports of improved cultivars from France and the United States, leading to broader commercial viability. These developments involved grafting onto hardy rootstocks to suit varying soil and temperature conditions, addressing early challenges in propagation and climate compatibility. In the United States, flat peaches were first imported from in 1869 but remained obscure until the and , when breeders at developed enhanced varieties like the 'Saturn' peach, which featured larger fruit and superior sweetness. Marketed under the catchy "donut peach" name to highlight its ring-like shape, this reintroduction sparked a commercial boom in orchards post-1990s, driven by consumer appeal for its novelty and low-fuzz texture, with 'Saturn' later trademarked by Frieda's Specialty Produce in 1986. Early confusion with ornamental peach types, often dismissed as non-edible novelties, initially hindered widespread adoption, but targeted breeding overcame these hurdles, establishing flat peaches as a viable market segment.

Cultivation Practices

Growing Conditions

Flat peach trees, a variety of Prunus persica, thrive in warm temperate climates corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, where they require 200 to 800 chill hours—hours below 45°F (7°C) during —to break bud and produce fruit reliably. These trees demand full sun exposure of at least 6 to 8 hours daily to promote vigorous growth, optimal fruit coloration, and sweetness, while sites must offer protection from frosts that can damage blossoms and reduce yields. Low-chill cultivars, such as the 'UFO' variety, perform well in milder winters with around 200 chill hours, making them suitable for warmer regions like the southeastern U.S. Cultivation of flat peaches presents specific challenges, including susceptibility to bacterial blight, which requires selection of resistant varieties and good sanitation practices; easily split skins and pits resulting from irregular watering, necessitating consistent deep especially during fruit development; and variable ripening times across cultivars, demanding careful monitoring and staggered harvesting. for flat peaches should be well-drained and loamy, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 to support nutrient uptake and prevent issues like iron . These trees tolerate sandy or clay if amended with to enhance drainage and , but standing water must be avoided to prevent . Watering needs are moderate, with established trees requiring 1 to 1.5 inches per week, applied deeply to encourage development, particularly during fruit set and dry periods to maintain tree health, fruit size, and prevent splitting. Fertilization involves balanced NPK formulas, such as 10-10-10 or 13-13-13, applied in early spring at rates based on tests, with an emphasis on to improve quality, firmness, and resistance. Most flat peach cultivars are self-fertile, capable of producing without a , though planting nearby compatible peach varieties can enhance efficiency and yields.

Harvesting and Storage

Flat peaches, also known as donut or Saturn peaches, are typically harvested when they reach full size, exhibit slight softening upon gentle pressure, and develop a background color with a blush, indicating maturity. This stage usually occurs from late May to late in the , varying by and local climate conditions. Due to their thin, delicate , flat peaches are hand-picked to minimize bruising; pickers gently twist the fruit at the stem without pulling to avoid damage to the or . Post-harvest, flat peaches require careful handling to preserve quality, as they are highly perishable with a shorter than that of round peaches owing to their softer texture and thinner skin. For optimal storage, maintain temperatures of 0–4°C (32–39°F) at 90–95% relative , allowing the to last up to 2 weeks; higher temperatures accelerate softening and decay. Unripe should be ripened at away from direct , as exposure to from other can hasten ripening and reduce quality. In commercial settings, flat peaches are sorted by size, color, and firmness immediately after harvest to ensure uniformity for market distribution. As ethylene producers and sensitive commodities, they must be stored and transported separately from other ethylene-sensitive produce to prevent premature ripening and spoilage. Freezing injury is a risk even at brief low temperatures, so careful temperature control is essential during shipping and storage.

Culinary and Cultural Uses

In Cuisine

Flat peaches, prized for their sweet, low-acid flavor profile, are commonly consumed fresh as a convenient or incorporated into light salads. Their juicy, white flesh offers a mild, perfumed with high content and minimal tartness, making them particularly appealing for raw preparations. In salads, they pair well with savory elements like and soft cheeses such as or , where the fruit's sweetness contrasts with the saltiness and creaminess for a refreshing summer dish. In cooking, flat peaches lend themselves to methods that enhance their natural sugars through , such as or , which intensifies their flavor for use in tarts, jams, and sorbets. Their freestone and smaller, thinner pits facilitate easy removal, simplifying preparation for these applications without excessive waste. Recipes often feature them roasted with nuts and or in simple for desserts. Nutritionally, flat peaches mirror standard peaches in composition, with approximately 88% water content, notable levels of vitamins A and C, and about 2 grams of per medium , supporting hydration, immune function, and digestive . White-fleshed varieties, common among flat peaches, exhibit elevated capacity compared to yellow-fleshed types, attributed to higher that aid in combating . These peaches also excel in pairings that highlight their sweetness, such as balancing spicy elements in Asian fusion dishes like Thai-inspired chicken stir-fries or Vietnamese salads with chili and herbs. Seasonally, they feature prominently in summer desserts, from sorbets to galettes, capitalizing on their peak ripeness for optimal flavor.

Cultural Significance

In Chinese mythology, the flat peach, known as pántáo (蟠桃), holds profound symbolic meaning as a fruit conferring immortality and longevity, most famously linked to the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu), who cultivates them in her divine garden on Mount Kunlun. These peaches ripen once every three thousand years and are served at celestial banquets to grant eternal life to the gods, embodying Taoist ideals of spiritual enlightenment and enduring vitality. This association ties directly to ancient origins in texts like the Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), where the peaches sustain immortals and symbolize the quest for transcendence. The flat peach's symbolism extends to cultural festivals, particularly the (Chongyang), celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth to honor elders and promote ; during this event, peach-shaped buns and confections are traditionally prepared and shared as tokens of health and prolonged life. In art from the (1368–1644), flat peaches frequently appear in paintings and porcelain motifs depicting the Queen Mother's Peach Banquet, such as in scenes of immortals gathering for the Pantao Hui (Flat Peach Festival), where the fruit underscores themes of divine harmony and eternal youth. Upon introduction to the West, flat peaches were rebranded as "donut peaches" during the , gaining popularity as a novelty that evoked whimsy and exotic allure in contemporary culture, often highlighted for their unique shape in media and as a fun departure from standard varieties. In modern contexts, flat peaches inspire whimsical portrayals in and media—such as playful references in stories drawing on their mythical roots—and are cultivated in ornamental gardens for their aesthetic appeal, with compact trees valued for decorative blossoms and distinctive .

References

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