If there is a fruit that barely anyone hates, it is probably the peach. Just thinking about its soft and fuzzy pink skin and the juicy flesh would make one drool.
Nowadays, the peach is widely cultivated around the globe. But its home, China, still produces more than half of the world's peaches.
The earliest evidence of wild peach dates the origin of this delicious fruit back to around six thousand years ago in China. Around 200 BC, the peach was transported to central Europe through the silk road. Since then, the world has been fascinated by this pink delicacy from China, and cultivated in many places.
In China, the most famous peach is from the capital. An area called Pinggu in the northeastern corner of Beijing produces one of the most desirable peaches in the country. Even though there are several peach species in this area, they all have the name "Pinggu big peach" due to Pinggu's suitable environment.
Since the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, Pinggu has been a royal peach orchard and cultivated peaches exclusively for the imperial court. The unique geographical environment with a combination of rich soil, temperate climate and abundant sunshine and water make the peaches here big, sweet and juicy.
The four main species here are the white peach, nectarine, yellow peach, and donut peach. The fruit can be harvest from May to December after the peach blossom.
Peach blossoms before the leaves sprout. /VCG Photo
In early spring, the peach blossom is a must-see in Beijing. The most beautiful scene is near the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall in the northwestern region of Beijing. In spring, the high-speed train would roam through the pink sea of peach blossoms at the foot of the Great Wall. It is an unforgettable experience.
The peach blossom at Juyongguan Great Wall. /VCG Photo
China's Flora Tour
From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest, China boasts an array of plant species. In this series, we will go on a tour to learn about some of the most representative flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local geography and climate.
(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Jia Jieqiong)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)