Prunus persica Belle Angevine - Organic Peach Tree

The 'Belle Angevine' Peach, derived from Organic Farming, is an old variety that produces a medium-sized peach, measuring 7 to 9 centimetres (3 to 4 inches) in diameter, weighing between 120 and 150 grams, with a round shape, slightly flattened at the top. Its slightly fuzzed skin is dark red on a yellow background and encloses a yellow flesh with a sweet, juicy, and highly aromatic flavour. The stone separates easily from the flesh. It is a delicious fruit that marks the summer season. Sensitive to spring frosts, this peach prefers a warm, sunny, and sheltered exposure. Resistant to peach leaf curl disease, it requires almost no maintenance. Prunus persica (Common Peach) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It originated in China in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions around 500 BC. It appeared in Europe in the 6th century and experienced significant development in the 19th century. From then on, numerous selections aimed at improving the fruit's taste qualities occurred.

The Belle Angevine is a variety that originates from Lot-et-Garonne. This peach tree forms a small tree with a somewhat upright framework that can reach 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in height, with a diameter of approximately 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet). Its habit is well-suited to low forms (bush) or espaliers. Its foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wide, with serrated and wavy edges, a bright green colour, which turn yellow-orange in autumn before falling. The leaves have a slight almond fragrance. In late March, pink flowers appear on the previous year's branches, measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, before the leaves. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3 °C onwards. It is a remarkably decorative flowering tree and particularly attractive to bees and nectar-seeking insects. It is a hardy tree down to -10°C, but is susceptible to late frosts which damage its flowers and compromise fruiting. It is a self-fertile variety, not requiring other peach trees nearby for pollination, although the presence of another peach tree will improve fertility. The fruit harvest begins in late June and continues until mid-July as they ripen.

Peaches are very fragile, so they are harvested by hand with delicacy. The fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting. Delicious peaches can be enjoyed fresh from picking. They are ideal for making compotes, ice creams and sorbets, tarts, pastries, fruit salads or combinations, and as accompaniments to savoury dishes with meats (duck, rabbit, chicken, etc.) or fish (salmon, cod, etc.). They are also perfect for making juices or fruit syrups. Peaches are rich in water, refreshing, and thirst-quenching. They have a fleshy texture that provides an incredible feeling of satiety. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with a significant iron content. Their vitamin C and content B, antioxidants, and fibre make peaches a health asset. They are invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for a week in a cool place, protected from light.

Like many fruit trees, peaches thrive in rich, deep, and well-drained soils. They do not tolerate excess water, heavy and compact soils, or limestone soils. They prefer a sunny exposure, sheltered from drafts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure suits them perfectly. In regions that frequently experience late spring frosts, peaches can be trained against a south-facing wall. Very popular, thanks to its fruits, the peach tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. With a wide range of varieties, choosing the one that best suits your needs is easy.