I've been very excited this year to see the NZ heirloom "Black Boy" peach fruiting for the first time here at Struan Farm. These peaches are quite unique, a free stone variety with a fuzzy grey skin and red flesh. There is conflicting information on their origins; some people believe they are related to the French "Peche de Vigne," or "vineyard peach," which also has red flesh, and that they were brought to NZ by early French settlers. Others think they are simply a natural mutation that occurred. Either way they are a distinctly NZ peach.
They are delicious, and are meant to be eaten when still firm. I can't wait to grow more to be able to bake with them! Five this year is a start. And happily the birds left them alone, perhaps due to the unusual colour of the skin.
And yes, the name is rather unfortunate.
Comments