Along with apples and pears, peach is the most beloved fruit around the world. It is grown in many countries, including Korea, the United States, Italy, France, China, Argentina, South Africa, and Austria. All age groups cherish this fruit as it is soft in flesh, sweet, full of moisture and aroma. Although peach is a typical summer fruit in Korea, the varieties of yellow peach are produced from the beginning of September.

#‘Hatsarae’, a big player of Korean peaches

The Korean peaches are mainly produced in Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheong-do. A huge daily temperature range, with soils mixed with red clay and sands are ideal for growing peaches in these regions. The local peach brand `Hatsarae’, created by farmers in Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheong-do, is regarded as the finest peach in Korea. Hatsarae means 'a well-ripe fruit grown under an ample amount of sunlight.' With the recent export of Hatsarae peaches to Southeast Asian countries, the overseas consumers can now taste this delicious Korean product. Above all, the yellow peach has a 7-day shelf life at room temperature, making it easier to export than the white peach.

#Healthy benefits of peach

There are a number of perks for our body if you regularly consume peach. First of all, peaches help prevent numerous vascular diseases, or symptoms caused by poor blood circulation. The fact that peaches are rich in vitamins and organic acids improve blood circulation helps prevent heart diseases and coronary arteriosclerosis. The peaches are also packed with potassium, which adjusts the amount of sodium in the body, helping to control blood pressure from rising. Skin whitening is another benefit as peaches inhibit the expansion of tyrosinase, which stimulates melanin, a substance giving dark pigment to skin. As it also contains beta-carotene, known to be good for free radical removals, it is effective for anti-aging.

#How to select a mouthwatering yellow peach

The peaches can be classified into two categories – the fuzzy peach and fuzzless nectarines. Again, the fuzzy peach can be divided into white and yellow according to the color of the flesh, which are generally sweet-smelling. However, due to short hair on the skin, it can be relatively coarse to peel and may cause allergies, so must be cautious when eating. It is better to have an evenly round shape, close to a circle, and the surface should be yellow. Since yellow peach is harder and darker in color than the white one, it is difficult to visually check the wounds on the fruit when handling after the harvest. Therefore, it is advised to be extra careful when selecting a flawless peach.

#A visit to Janghowon, the mecca of yellow peaches!

The main producer of yellow peach is Janghowon, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do. Mr. Seok Jae-in, the owner of Changwon Farm, has carried on the family lineage of peach farming. With an agricultural area of 3030㎡, he is a skilled farmer for over 28 years of experience. The peaches will be harvested in full scale from September, all of which has been recognized of high quality that the entire quantity will be supplied to domestic department stores. Mr. Seok said, “Janghowon Peach is the frontrunner of autumn peaches, so even the name of the varieties is called Janghowon. It is also popular for Chuseok holiday gifts, and peach is tastier to eat in the autumn. ”

#The know-how of yellow peach cultivation

Mr. Seok strictly adheres to the GAP standards, and insists on sod culture. He does not use herbicides and produces the fruit in an environmentally friendly manner. Beginning in late June, the peach on the tree is covered with a bag. This is to reduce pest damage and to prevent skin wounds. In addition, he pays close attention to the peach tree pruning work as peaches taste better when the sun is evenly distributed. Such cultivation expertise is shared with local farmers through Peach Research Society, which leads to the quality improvement of yellow peach. Mr. Seok was the Chairman of Icheon Peach Research Society, and is currently serving as Senior Vice President of Gyeonggi-do Peach Research Society. He said, “There are 120 farmers in Icheon City and 800 farmers in Gyeonggi-do as participating members. The gathering was naturally arranged to share their farming skills and knowledge, and it creates even more synergies as they receive professional training. ”

The development of different processed products

Being a local specialty, the local government is also giving an enormous support for Janghowon yellow peach. Since Janghowon is located in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do, the city is very cooperative to the development of processed products through Peach Research Society. The peaches with less commercial value are used as processed products to create and increase high value. With the help of the Society, Mr. Seok has developed, and is selling 'Peach Sikhye made from Icheon rice' online. Besides, the Society develops a range of peach processed products such as canned peach, jam, vinegar, and snacks, and transfers the technology to local farmers. He said, “The Peach Research Society is composed of a manufacturing and a cultivation team, which is helpful in developing processed goods and controlling pests. Peach Sikhye is gaining its popularity that even hypermarkets have shown an interest. ”

#Create performance through collaboration

Peaches grown in Janghowon, Gyeonggi-do and the neighboring areas in Chungcheongbuk-do, are sold under the brand name of 'Hatsarae'. In 2006, the peach farmers in Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongbuk-do joined to launch the ‘Hatsarae Fruit Cooperative Corporation’ to promote a joint selection and integrated marketing. The 'Hatsarae' has been enormously successful that the current auction price increases just by using its brand name. Consequently, even Mr. Seok himself has been registered with the Corporation, and sells peaches as well. He said, “The Hatsare is a rare example of how peach farmers from different regions with similar climatic conditions have come together to produce the results. The farmers are constantly being educated and must meet certain quality standards to use Hatsare brand name. A commitment on peach-exclusive planting is an advantage for farmers. ”

#How to make canned peaches

Ingredients: 3-4 peaches, 1.5T of lemon juice, 1 cup of sugar, 3 cups of water

Recipe

1. Thoroughly wash peaches and peel.

2. Put 3 cups of water and a cup of sugar in the pot, and boil it.

3. Add peaches and 1.5T of lemon juice to boiling water, and let boil for 20 minutes until the peach becomes transparent.

*Tips

-Lemon juice can be omitted, but lemon juice adds a richer flavor and helps to store it for a long time as it acts as a preservative.