Varietal Characteristics
Peaches (Prunus persica var. Persica vulgaris) are the fruits of a tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, subfamily Prunoideae. The species reached us via Persia—hence the botanical name Prunus persica—but it is originally native to China, where it was considered a symbol of immortality and whose blossoms were celebrated by poets, painters, and singers.
The tree reaches modest dimensions, up to 7–8 metres in height. The flowers have five petals and range in colour from light to deep pink. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and serrated. The fruits are fleshy drupes, rounded in shape, with a longitudinal groove on one side, and covered by a velvety skin of red and yellow hues. The flesh is juicy, with a sweet flavour that may be more or less acidic, and can be white, yellow, or greenish in colour. The peach’s characteristically soft and succulent texture is due to its high water content.