Perfection Fresh (Aust)

Donut® peaches - star of the orchard!

Attention foodies: feature these for summer

Stonefruit season is fast approaching and the distinctive Donut® peach is this year's star of the orchard.

The Donut® peach - a white-fleshed freestone variety with an unusually flat shape resembling the rings of Saturn - is much juicier and sweeter than standard peaches. Unlike other peaches, the fruit blossoms out from the sides rather than growing evenly around the stone.

Donut® peaches were originally bred in China more than 200 years ago. The Aussie variety  was specially bred in the United States and is a cross between an extra firm-fleshed peach variety and the saucer-shaped variety popular in Asia.

Donut® peaches stand out among peaches thanks to their smooth, almost glossy, yellow skin overlaid with a red blush - perfect for those who prefer their peaches without fuzz. They have creamy flesh and a tiny nut-sized stone.

Perfection Fresh's Donut® peaches are available for a short, intense burst from December to February. Grown in three locations in Australia, the orchards are expected to produce an abundance of fruit for this year's festive season.

Taste of perfection

Donut® peaches are extremely juicy and have a fragrant, delicate flavour with almond overtones. Because they are smaller than other peaches, their juiciness is packed in tightly. Donut® peaches are also lower in acid than other peaches, which makes them taste sweeter for longer!

What's under the skin?

Peaches have extraordinary health benefits with researchers worldwide continuing to discover new, exciting reasons to eat them. This summertime favourite is a good source of the powerful antioxidants lycopene and lutein. These are especially beneficial in preventing heart disease, macular degeneration and cancer.

As well, peaches contain fibre which aids digestion and Vitamins C and A which promote healthy skin.  

Easy ways to eat more Donut® peaches

• Purée to flavour homemade ice-cream.
• Add to blueberries, ginger, lemon juice and thyme for a cancer-fighting fruit salad.
• Mash into a "marmalade" with maple syrup and butter and serve over pork chops.
• Dice, stir into ricotta or mascarpone and fill rolls of cured meat.
• Add to a salad of shredded barbecued chicken and rocket.
• Juice equal parts peach and persimmon for a thick, sweet detoxifying nectar.
• Toss into a sweet cous cous salad alongside dried cranberries and coriander.
• Make into a healthful muffin mix with grated zucchini.
• Steep in red wine, chill, then serve with cream.

Cooking tips

Slightly under-ripe Donut® peaches are best for cooking or baking and are easier to peel.
To peel, immerse in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove, plunge into iced water and the skins will loosen and slip off.

Where to find them

Donut® peaches are available at Woolworths, Coles and independent retail outlets around Australia.

Select and store

Select Donut® peaches which are firm and plump and yield slightly to pressure. They should have a delightful perfume and rosy hue. Ripen at room temperature and then chill before eating.

Media: ask us about...

• An orchard tour - meet a Donut® peach grower.
• What's next for orchard fruit?