Summer is the perfect time to indulge in juicy, sweet peaches, and our Lykkers have plenty of options to choose from. Peaches come in many different shapes, colors, and flavors, offering something for every taste.

From smooth-skinned nectarines to the unique flat peaches, each variety has its own special characteristics. This guide will explore 10 popular types of peaches, helping to choose the right fruit for snacking or cooking delightful recipes.

Classic Peach Varieties

Yellow Peaches

Yellow peaches are among the most recognizable and widely enjoyed. These peaches have a soft, velvety skin and bright yellow flesh. Known for their sweet and juicy flavor, yellow peaches are a classic choice that perfectly captures the essence of summer fruit.

White Peaches

White peaches share many visual similarities with their yellow counterparts, featuring fuzzy skin and fragrant aroma. However, their flesh is much paler, often white or very light cream, with a delicate and slightly fibrous texture. They tend to be less acidic and offer a subtly sweet taste, ideal for fresh eating or light desserts.

Unique and Regional Peach Varieties

Nectarines (Peach Noci)

Nectarines, sometimes called peach noci, differ by their smooth, fuzz-free skin. The flesh is firm and crisp, offering a refreshing texture along with natural sweetness. They appear in both white and yellow-fleshed versions.

Nectarines work wonderfully in recipes like grilled peaches or salads, adding a crunchy yet juicy element.

Flat Peaches (Tabacchiera Peaches)

Flat peaches stand out for their distinctive shape, which is flattened rather than round. Their skin remains velvety, and inside, the flesh is white, exceptionally sweet, and highly aromatic. These peaches are especially associated with regions such as Marche and Sicily. The ones grown near Mount Etna have earned special recognition for their quality and flavor.

Percoca Peaches

Percoca peaches have a fuzzy skin and firm, yellow flesh that offers a crunchy bite. They are especially popular in southern Italy, particularly in Campania. Besides being delicious fresh, percoca peaches are traditionally used in regional recipes, including a famous peach and red drink blend from Naples.

Late Season and Specialty Peaches

Merendella Peaches

Ripening between July and August, the merendella peach includes some late-season types. This fruit is characteristic of Calabria, especially Catanzaro province, and is believed to be a cross between a peach and an apple.

Its smooth, pale greenish-white skin hides a very sweet and juicy flesh.

Bivona Peaches

Known as a late-season variety from Sicily's Agrigento province, Bivona peaches—also called Montagnola peaches—are prized for their intense fragrance. Their flesh is firm, sweet, and aromatic with white coloring streaked with red. This variety is perfect for those who prefer a robust and perfumed peach.

Leonforte Late Peaches

The Leonforte late peach variety is unique and protected under Slow Food's Presidia program. Grown in Enna province, farmers carefully protect each fruit by wrapping it in bags while still immature.

This process helps the peaches ripen perfectly over a long season, from August to as late as November. The skin is bright yellow, and the flesh offers a firm, sweet taste reminiscent of candied fruit, making it a must-try for peach enthusiasts.

Protected and Regional Specialties

Verona Peaches

Verona peaches have an official Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. This category includes 22 different peach varieties grown exclusively in the Veneto region's Verona area.

These varieties range from early to late harvest times and are known for their sweet flavor and quality.

White Verona Peaches

Also from the Veneto region, the white Verona peach is prized for its juicy texture and balanced flavor, combining mild acidity with natural sugars. This variety is excellent for making jams and preserves due to its perfect flavor profile.

In Conclusion

Peaches offer a wide spectrum of flavors, textures, and colors that can brighten any summer table. Our Lykkers now have a handy guide to some of the most popular and interesting varieties, from the classic yellow and white peaches to more unique types like the flat tabacchiera or the carefully nurtured Leonforte late peach.

Choosing the right type can elevate fresh eating and cooking, making peaches a versatile and delightful ingredient. Exploring these varieties will surely enhance enjoyment of this beloved fruit throughout the warm months.