Peaches come in many different colors, which is why the different varieties of the “fruit of the gods” are distinguished from each other primarily by their flesh color. Most peach varieties have white or yellow flesh, but only a few varieties are bright red. Probably the best known red peach is the almost extinct red vineyard peach.
What is a red peach and what is it used for?
The Red Vineyard Peach is a rare peach variety with a solid red color, also known as the “blood peach”. It tastes rather bitter and is rarely eaten raw, but is ideal for sweet and savory dishes such as jams, compotes, chutneys or alcoholic drinks.
Peach with blood red color
The ripe fruits of the red vineyard peach are bright red throughout - that is, both the peel, which has a very firm skin, and the flesh up to the core. For this reason, the variety is often referred to as “blood peach”. However, there are also light red to white varieties of vineyard peach, which, however, have no differences in taste. The tree, which remains relatively small, blooms relatively early with pretty pink flowers, and the plant also prefers a warm and sunny climate.
Red peach is particularly tasty when processed
A hundred or more years ago, plantings of the red vineyard peach were also normal in German wine-growing regions (especially on the Moselle). Peach orchards are documented as early as the 16th and 17th centuries. At the end of the 20th century, the plant was almost forgotten, but its extinction was prevented just in time. The aroma of the red vineyard peach is very intense, but at the same time anything but peachy-sweet. The fruits taste quite tart and are therefore rarely eaten raw. Instead, this peach can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Only then does it develop its wonderful aroma.
Recipe ideas – from sweet to savory
Before any preparation, you should remove the very firm, furry shell of this variety. This is best done by briefly scalding the fruit with boiling hot water. Then remove the pulp from the very tight seed core and can now prepare the ripe peach as desired.
Sweet vineyard peach speci alties
- Jams and fruit spreads (especially with cinnamon, star anise and cloves)
- Compote
- Topping for fruit cake
- Peach mousse (prepared with e.g. blackberries and peach liqueur)
- Rumtopf (pickle fruits in rum or brandy)
Savory Ideas
- Chutney (spicy peach sauce made from peach puree, butter, sugar, wine; seasoned with s alt, pepper and star anise)
- as a component of sauces, for example as a fruity sauce for game
- alcoholic drinks such as: E.g. fruit brandies or liqueur
Red vineyard peaches can be boiled or frozen.
Tips & Tricks
Lovers of rare tomato plants will also find a variety of tomato that dates back to Victorian times called “Red Peach” and whose appearance is strongly reminiscent of a peach. The corresponding seeds can be purchased in specialized online stores.
