Pei County Winter Peaches

Pei County Winter Peaches

　　Grown in Pei County, Jiangsu Province. The trees bloom in spring, about 6–7 days earlier than ordinary peach trees. After fruit sets, the peaches stop growing once they reach the size of green cherries. They remain dormant until August–September when the weather cools down, then begin to grow again, not ripening until the winter solstice—taking about 2–3 times longer than regular peaches. The skin of the winter peach is pale red with a white tint, covered with a layer of creamy white fuzz. The peel is thin, the pit small, the flesh thick and juicy. Because of their long maturation period, the peaches endure the heat of dog days while still on the tree, resulting in a flavor that is both fragrant and sweet, with a crisp bite. A closer taste reveals hints of rock sugar. They store well, making them a cherished winter fruit.