Fruity Focus - Peaches

Prunus persica, commonly known as the peach fruit, plays a huge part in several cultures around the world, and not just because of their culinary purposes and tasty flavour. 

 

In China, peach blossoms are highly valued as a symbol of vitality; this belief stems from the process of the flower blossoms decorating the branches before the leaves appear. In the past, early rulers of China were also protected by guards armed with rods of peach wood. It was thought that these peach sticks would deter any evil spirits they might come across when travelling. Another custom in China associated with peaches, is the practice of placing branches from a peach tree above your door on New Year’s Eve to prevent any evil spirits from entering with the New Year.

In European history, the peach was largely linked to art and a number of famous painters, including Monet and Van Gogh. Peaches and peach trees were painted in various settings to create symbolic meanings. One reoccurring theme during the Renaissance was a peach fruit painted with a leaf; the peach represented a heart, whereas the leaf symbolised a tongue. The significance of this painting was thought to mean speaking the truth from one’s heart. Ripe peaches were also painted often to signify a state of good health.

In the world today, China is the largest producer of peaches and a hybrid fruit has been created in Australia and New Zealand, known as a peacherine. A peacherine is a cross between a peach and a nectarine, which come from the same species but are classed as different fruits due to the dissimilarity in skin texture; peaches have fuzz, nectarines do not.

The variety of peach available on our website is the Rochester Peach. This peach has a wonderful sweet flavour and can be used for either cooking, or to eat immediately once ripe. Rochester Peach trees are a hardy tree and grow well in the UK climate, as they are frost resistant and can tolerate harsh weather conditions. A self-fertile variety, Rochester not only produces fruit without a pollination partner but also displays beautiful pink blossoms in spring, giving additional seasonal interest.

It’s no surprise that the Rochester Peach tree has received the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit; it would make a stunning and rewarding feature tree in any garden. Click here for more information on our Rochester Peach trees, or take a look at our Fruit Cropping Calendar to discover when your tree will yield the most fruit.