DONUT, SATURN AND OTHER NAMES OF FIG PEACH

The name fig peach logically raises the question: did these interesting flattened fruits, which began to be delivered to Russia less than 15 years ago, appear by crossing a peach and a fig? But why then the flesh and peel do not even remotely resemble figs either in taste or consistency? What to say: this is a story where the answer is obvious at a glance. 

So, a fig peach (or simply a flat peach) is not a hybrid at all. A peach can be crossed with apricots, plums and even apples, but with figs it is simply impossible. A flat peach is just a peach. Yes, it has an unusual shape. Yes, it is different in taste. But nevertheless.

This plant, like peaches and nectarines, comes from China. For the first time in literature, the fruit appeared in the XVI century novel Journey to the West  under the name of  pantao. In the USA and Europe, flat peaches were first imported in the XIX century, but in Russia it began to be actively sold only in the 2000s. 

Figs in this story appeared due to the shape. If you carefully examine both fruits, you will see a certain similarity. Although, to be faithful, a flat peach resembles dried figs to a greater extent – here it is just flattened, whereas fresh most often has a slightly elongated "onion" shape.

By the way, for their appearance, flat peaches are called not only figs, but also donuts (especially noticeable if you take out the bone), Saturn, Chinese turnip, hat peach and even peach with cream.

The last definition is also not surprising – the flesh of flat peaches really looks like cream, the same sweet, white, smooth, fragrant, with a slight almond flavor. As for the peel, it can be different in color – from yellow to dark red, and in texture it is less "fluffy" than ordinary peaches, but not absolutely smooth, like nectarines.

Flat peaches are most often consumed in their natural form, but they are also popular in cooking – as salad ingredients (perfectly combined with chicken!), as well as as a filling for pies and cakes.

We don't advice you to keep peaches, it's better to put them in a paper bag in a dark place. But the fruits can be frozen for long-term storage.