Gongcheng Peaches

Gongcheng Peaches

　　Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County is a national-level eco-agricultural demonstration county primarily focused on fruit cultivation, and Gongcheng peaches are one of the region’s traditional premium fruits. These peaches are juicy, flavorful, aromatic, brightly colored, and highly nutritious, making them one of the most beloved fresh fruits. In addition to being eaten fresh, they can also be processed into peach preserves, peach jam, peach juice, dried peaches, and canned peaches. The main varieties of peaches cultivated in Gongcheng County include April Red Early Peach, Red Flower Peach, and Nectarine, typically ripening between April and August. In 2014, the county had over 63,000 acres under peach cultivation, yielding more than 54,000 tons.

　　1. April Red Early Peach: One of the main fruit varieties grown in the county, this peach has an oval shape, uniform appearance, and an average weight of 70 grams per fruit, reaching up to 100 grams. It ripens in mid-April.

　　2. Red Flower Peach: Another major fruit variety in the county, the Red Flower Peach is oval-shaped and uniformly formed, with an average weight of 120 grams and a maximum of 150 grams. It has a shallow suture line, symmetrical halves, a creamy-yellow skin base with red blush on the sun-exposed side and top, short fuzz, and an attractive appearance. The flesh is milky white with slight pink hues, fine and dense in texture, with relatively high fiber content, moderate juice level, sweet taste, and fruity aroma. It is relatively freestone. Each 100 grams of fresh fruit contains 10% soluble solids, 0.7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 4.5mg calcium, 110mg zinc, and 4mg vitamins. Ripening times vary by cultivar: early varieties in mid-May, mid-season in mid-June, and late-season in early July.

　　3. Spring Crown – The Earliest Ripening Peach: Developed by the Gansu Fruit Tree Research Institute, this peach begins ripening in mid-April in Gongcheng County, about 7–10 days earlier than the Ji Zao 518 variety. It has a nearly round shape, bright red skin when ripe, an average weight of 80 grams, and a maximum of 150 grams. With 14.1% soluble solids, it is very sweet. It is extremely productive and highly resistant to bacterial spot and black spot diseases, yielding an average of 3,800 pounds per acre by the third year after planting.

　　4. Zhongyou 12 – A Large, Super-Early Ripening Sweet Nectarine: Developed by the Zhengzhou Fruit Tree Research Institute, this nectarine ripens in Gongcheng County on April 24, 2012—about 5–7 days earlier than Zhongyou 5. It has an elongated shape, with a consistent ripening appearance showing white skin tinged with red. The average fruit weight is 126 grams, reaching up to 180–220 grams, with 12% soluble solids. It offers excellent quality, does not crack, and is highly productive.

　　5. Southern Cherry – Wupi Cherry: Ripens in mid-to-late April, with 18% soluble solids and a chilling requirement of 350 hours. It is self-fertile, extremely productive, and can yield up to 4 pounds per tree in the second year after planting, with market prices ranging from 30–50 yuan per pound.