Flat peach: the most refreshing and sweetest summer fruit

What is a flat peach and how is it different from a peach?

It is common to confuse flat peaches and red peaches because of their similar appearance. The truth is they are not the same but are like pinkish «cousins». The flat peach, although its name in Spanish (paraguayo) may generate doubt, is an Asian variety of the peach which, instead of being round in shape, is flat. Both share characteristics such as velvety skin or orange colour, but the former are usually sweeter and juicier than the latter. In addition, the flesh of the flat peach is white or slightly pink in colour, while that of the peach is usually more yellowish orange, although there are also varieties of red peaches with whiter flesh. 

Both are summer fruits, their season is between May and September, they have a stone in the centre and their skin has antioxdant properties, fibre and vitamin C.

Currently, the production of flat peaches in Spain is concentrated in the east of the peninsula; especially in Catalonia, the Region of Murcia and Aragon. 

Tips for buying and preserving this fruit

To choose the perfect flat peach, you have to look at the colour of its skin and its texture and choose the ones that are not wrinkled or do not have dark spots (which would indicate that they are already overripe), but a skin as smooth as possible, with yellow or reddish tones. Ideally you should look out for those that are slightly soft to the touch; firm, but not hard. 

Something else that can be useful is their scent, especially in the area near the stem. If you notice a  sweet aroma, you can tell that they are ready to be eaten. 

As it is a summer fruit and, in addition, is bought when ripe, it is advisable to store them in the fridge to prevent them from going off due to the heat, or in a cool and dry place, protected from humidity. You should eat them on the days following their purchase before they are overripe or gone off.

Properties and benefits of the flat peach

• It is very hydrating, as it is made up of more than 85% water. 
• It is an important source of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants. 
• It helps digestion. 
• It strengthens the immune system.

How to use it in kitchen

There are many ways to use flat peaches in recipes to bring freshness to meals in the hot months. 

• Salads: flat peaches combine perfectly with rocket, walnuts or tomatoes, and provide a very refreshing sweet-savoury contrast.
• Mixed with yogurt: It can be used as  a topping for yogurt along with a handful of nuts.
• Sangria: It is one of the fruits that best combines with sangria, along with other summer fruits.
• Jam: these months provide the sweetest flat peaches, so it is the ideal time to take advantage of the more ripe ones to make jam.