Prunus persica Sanguine - Peach Tree

The Sanguine Peach is a classic in old orchards and family gardens. It is a particularly late variety, grown in many regions outside of mountainous climates. The tree, with its strong vigour, is capable of producing its first fruits two years after planting, three years after sowing a stone. This variety is self-fertile, but the presence of another peach tree will improve fertility. Its small round peaches are covered with a velvety skin, to which a grey fuzz gives an original wine-coloured appearance. It protects a blood-red flesh, very juicy, with a unique flavour and a delicate aroma of bitter almond. Its vine peaches are ideal for jams, compotes, pies, preserves, and even for eating fresh. The abundant harvest takes place at ripeness, from late August to September.

The species name "Persica" was given to the peach because it was thought to originate from Persia. In reality, all cultivated forms originate from northern China. Its appearance in Europe took place in the 6th century and experienced strong development in the 19th century. From there, numerous selections aiming to improve the fruit's taste qualities took place. The Sanguine Peach is a very old French variety.

Like many fruit trees, the Sanguine Peach appreciates light, rich, and deep soils. It does not tolerate excess water or heavy and compact soils well. A sunny location sheltered from the wind will protect flowering and aid in fruiting. It is a tree with an upright habit, indicating a tall trunk tree with many vertically growing branches, giving it an elegant and slender silhouette. It can reach a height of 5m (16ft) and a spread of 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft). Its deciduous foliage is a bright green and emits a slight almond scent. Its leaves are long, measuring 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) in length and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in width, with a short petiole. Its pale pink flowering, full of charm, occurs late in April, making it suitable for cultivation in some cooler climates. The flowers are hermaphroditic and self-fertile. Fruiting results in small round peaches (4 to 5 cm (2in)), red with grey fuzz. This tree does not require much maintenance, except for regular treatment against peach leaf curl in humid climates. It tolerates pruning well.

Peaches can be enjoyed raw, cooked, sweet, savoury, flambéed, glazed, or deglazed. They pair very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck. They can be found in numerous recipes, especially for jams, compotes, and pastries.