What is the origin of the flat peach?

The original wild variety is known as Pan Tao, or Peento, and was mentioned in Chinese writings during the 12th century B.C.E. Different peach varieties, including the Pan Tao, were carried along the Silk Road to the west, though the flat variety remained a novelty until the 20th century. It was introduced to the United States from China in 1871.

They are medium-sized fruits and have a round, flat shape with a dimpled center at each end. Their thin skins are yellow or orange and flushed with hues of ivory, rose, and rouge covered with a velvety finish. They have white flesh that is soft and juicy, surrounding a non-clinging, easy to remove, pit. They are low in acid with a candy-like sweetness and notes of almond.

They are best suited for fresh eating as their tender flesh and juicy nature are showcased when eaten raw. They can be sliced and tossed into green or fruit salads, chopped into salsas, served over cooked meats, or blended into smoothies. They can also be used in any recipe calling for peaches, though they generally lack that sweet-tart flavor of the yellow-fleshed fruits.

They are known by many other names, including doughnut peach or donut peach, paraguayo peach, saucer peach. to mention some.