Marbled Ginger Peaches
Estimated Inventory, cs : 0
Description/Taste
Marbled Ginger peaches are a medium to large variety and have a round, oblate shape with broad, sloping shoulders and a curved base. The variety features a prominent suture line extending the length of the fruit, giving the surface a slight indentation. The skin is semi-thin, taut, and firm, covered in a light waxy layer topped with a coating of velvety fuzz. The wax and fuzz are natural protective layers developed by the fruits during cultivation and are entirely edible. They can also be washed and removed before consumption based on preferences. The skin ripens to a golden yellow-orange base and is blushed with dark red hues. The amount of red blush varies on each fruit, depending on sun exposure, and is not an indication of ripeness. Underneath the surface, the dark yellow-orange flesh is dense, aqueous, tender, and succulent when ripe. The flesh is also tinged with crimson hues surrounding the central dark brown pit. Marbled Ginger peaches are fragrant once ripe and will have a soft give when gently squeezed. The fruits are edible once mature and have a refreshing, sweet, fruity, and floral flavor with zesty nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Marbled Ginger peaches are available in the summer, typically between late July and early August.
Current Facts
Marbled Ginger peaches, botanically classified as Prunus persica, are a specialty variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The cultivar was developed in California and was initially released through Burchell Nurseries, a company known for stone fruit innovation. Marbled Ginger peaches are not commercially produced on a large scale and are a rare variety sold through select growers as a flavor-forward peach. The fruits grow on trees reaching seven meters in height, requiring 400 to 600 chill hours each season. Marbled Ginger peaches have been reported by growers as scoring high in taste tests among consumers and acquired their name after their marbled, red-blushed skin and distinct, complex, zesty flavoring. The variety is only available for a few weeks each year, and due to its short season, it is sought by chefs and home cooks as a delicacy. Marbled Ginger peaches are primarily eaten fresh but are also incorporated into a wide array of sweet and savory preparations.
Nutritional Value
Marbled Ginger peaches have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Peaches, in general, are a source of fiber to aid digestion and vitamins A, C, E, and K to maintain healthy organs, guard the cells against free radical damage, strengthen the immune system, and assist the body in faster wound healing. Peaches also provide minerals like copper, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Copper helps the body develop connective tissues, while calcium and phosphorus support bone and teeth health. Potassium balances fluid levels within the body, magnesium controls nerve functions, and manganese and zinc contribute to the body's overall health.
Applications
Marbled Ginger peaches have a sweet, fruity, and floral flavor suited for raw and cooked preparations. The variety is primarily eaten out of hand and is savored for its aqueous nature and complex taste. Andy Mariani, a grower of Marbled Ginger peaches, recommends eating ripe peaches matured on the tree through a post on his Instagram. He suggests first eating the portion of the fruit colored with the deepest blush and bearing sugar spots that look like freckles. This portion of the fruit should be the sweetest and will create a honeyed sensation on the palate for the rest of the fruit. For fresh eating, it is also recommended to bite directly into the fruit as slicing can break down the cell walls, releasing the juice before the flesh can be consumed. Marbled Ginger peaches can be added to salads or served on appetizer platters with prosciutto, cheeses, and fresh herbs like basil. The fruits are also displayed on charcuterie boards or chopped into salsa for a sweet addition. Try blending and freezing peaches into sorbet, shaved ice, and ice cream, or making the fruits into homemade fruit leather. Peaches are also popularly blended into smoothies, shakes, cocktails, and agua frescas. In addition to fresh preparations, Marbled Ginger peaches can be baked into crumbles, crisps, pies, and cakes. They are also added to tarts and galettes or simmered into jams, compotes, sauces, and chutney. The fruits complement sweet and savory dishes and are sometimes roasted and served with main meat dishes. They are also halved, grilled, and topped with ice cream as a simple but decadent dessert. Marbled Ginger peaches pair well with herbs like thyme, mint, and basil, berries including blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, limes, and nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, and pecans. Peaches should be ripened at room temperature. Once ripe, they should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor, and will only keep for a few days in the fridge. Peaches can also be sliced and frozen for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Peaches were the first fruits planted by Irvin Burchell on his 1.5-acre property near Modesto, California. The land was established in 1942 and marked the beginning of Burchell Nursery. Peach cultivation continued into the late 20th century when Burchell Nursery was passed from Irvin to his son Bill Burchell, and in the 1970s and 80s, the nursery collaborated closely with the famous peach breeder Grant Merrill. Well-known varieties, including O’Henry peaches, were released during this time through Burchell Nursery. The farm’s headquarters eventually moved to Oakdale, California, in 1997, where over 700 acres were purchased for expanded cultivation. Burchell Nursery began its in-house breeding program in 1998 and spent several years developing and releasing new stone fruit varieties. Peaches are considered the signature crop of the nursery, and in the present day, the nursery is led by the third-generation family member, Tom Burchell, Bill’s son. Burchell Nursery is said to have more than 300 varieties of fruit and nut trees, and many of these cultivars, including Marbled Ginger peaches, are anticipated seasonal fruits in fresh markets.
Geography/History
Marbled Ginger peaches were developed in California through Burchell Nursery, a family-owned and operated farm in Oakdale, a city in the San Joaquin Valley. Although much of the variety’s history has not been made public, Burchell Nursery has a history of breeding and releasing new peach cultivars. Marbled Ginger peaches were released as a Burchell Nursery exclusive, as mentioned on stone fruit grower Andy Mariani‘s website of Andy’s Orchards in Morgan Hill, California. Andy’s Orchard has one of California's most extensive collections of stone fruits and specializes in growing peach varieties known for their flavor, including Marbled Ginger peaches. Today, Marbled Ginger peaches are cultivated by Andy’s Orchard and Burchell Nursery in California. The variety may also be found in home gardens throughout California. When in season, Marbled Ginger peaches are sold through select farmers’ markets and wholesalers in California.
