Peacotums®
Estimated Inventory, 9 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 08/19/24
Description/Taste
Peacotums® are uniform in size, averaging five centimeters in diameter, and are globose to oval in shape with taut skin that gives slightly under pressure. The medium-thick skin is also smooth, somewhat fuzzy, and has a bright yellow base with faint or prominent red blush. Underneath the surface, the flesh ranges from yellow to amber and is soft, juicy, smooth, and encases a central, inedible stone that is ovoid in shape. When ripe, Peacotums® have a tender consistency and a balanced acidity, providing a mildly sweet-tart flavor with strong, fruity notes of plums and apricots.
Seasons/Availability
Peacotums® are available in the late spring through summer.
Current Facts
Peacotums® are a hybrid stone fruit that grows on a semi-dwarf tree reaching over three meters in height and belongs to the Rosaceae family. A cross between a plum, peach, and apricot, Peacotums® are the result of over thirty years of breeding and were released to commercial markets in the United States in the early 2000s. There are three major varieties of Peacotums® grown for commercial use, including the Bella Cerise, Velvet Sunrise, and Bella Royale. The Bella Gold variety was also released and is marketed for home garden use. Peacotums® are a relatively new fruit that is favored by consumers for its sweet-tart flavor and juicy flesh.
Nutritional Value
Peacotums® contain vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, beta-carotene, and fiber.
Applications
Peacotums® are popularly used raw and are consumed fresh, out-of-hand to enjoy the juicy consistency and balanced flavors. The fruits can be sliced and added to green and fruit salads, served over oatmeal or smoothie bowls, or used as a topping on ice cream. Peacotums® can also be used in cooked applications such as baking and sautéing. The fruit can be chopped and added into muffins, tarts, cakes, bread, and pies for a hint of sweetness, or they can be cooked into sauces, chutneys, and blended into dressings. They can also be cooked into a jam and served with cheeses and other fruits as an appetizer. Peacotums® have a strong plum flavor and can be used as a substitute in recipes calling for plums. Peacotums® pair well with spices such as cinnamon and allspice, vanilla, honey, brown sugar, mint, basil, nuts such as walnuts and almonds, cherries, and lemons. The stone fruit will keep 1-2 days when stored at room temperature and up to one week when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Peacotums® are just one of the many new hybrids that are known as interspecific species, meaning the fruits are naturally cross-bred from two or more species, and these hybrids can take many years to generations to develop. Zaiger’s Genetics, the creators of Peacotums®, is a family-owned breeding program that uses natural cross-breeding techniques to create new hybrids that have distinct flavors and textures. One unique method that Zaiger’s Genetics utilizes is the use of movable containers. Parent trees are planted in large containers so they can be easily transported. This allows for a large number of crosses to occur each year, no matter the weather and location, and the trees can be moved to safety when needed. In addition to Peacotums®, Zaiger’s Genetics has also released many well-known interspecific species, including the Pluot® NectaPlum®, and Aprium®.
Geography/History
Peacotums® were developed by Zaiger’s Genetics, which is a family-owned company that utilizes natural breeding methods in Modesto, California, and it took over thirty years for the hybrid to be created. Released to the market in the early 2000s and patented in 2007, Peacotums® are grown and sold exclusively through Dave Wilson Nursery in Hickman, which is a town just east of Modesto. Today Peacotums® are found at select farmers markets, specialty grocers, and fruit stands in the United States. The Bella Gold variety is also available for purchase, often online, for home garden use.
