The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Fruit›Donut Peach
Science & Nature • Fruit

Donut Peach

The donut peach is a flat, saucer-shaped variety of peach, also called a flat peach, Saturn peach, or doughnut peach.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The donut peach is a flat, saucer-shaped variety of peach, also called a flat peach, Saturn peach, or doughnut peach. It originated in China and is known for its sweet flavour, low acidity, and often white flesh. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh and is also used in desserts, salads, and grilling.

Description

Donut peaches are a flat, oblate peach variety with a sunken centre and thin skin. They are typically smaller and sweeter-tasting than many round peaches, with white flesh being especially common. The scientific name is Prunus persica var. platycarpa.

Origin and history

The fruit traces its origins to China, where flat peaches have been cultivated for centuries. Sources describe later introduction to the United States in the 19th century and renewed popularity in modern produce markets.

Cultivation and types

Donut peach is generally treated as a peach form within Prunus persica, with cultivation and pruning similar to other peaches. Both white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed forms exist, with yellow-fleshed types used in cooking and baking. Several market names include flat peach, Saturn peach, and doughnut peach.

Culinary uses

The fruit is commonly eaten fresh because of its sweetness and tender skin. It is also used in fruit salads, cobblers, galettes, quick jams, and grilled dishes.

Key facts

  • Donut peaches are flattened peaches with a dimpled shape rather than the usual round form.
  • They are the same species as ordinary peaches, Prunus persica.
  • Many donut peaches have white flesh and a sweet, fragrant flavour with low acidity.
  • The fruit originated in China and was later introduced to North America.
  • Donut peaches are sold in Canada as a specialty peach variety during summer.
🍁
Canadian context

Donut peaches are sold in Canada through produce markets and grocery stores during summer stone-fruit season, and they are familiar to Canadian consumers as a specialty peach variety.

Frequently asked questions

What is a donut peach?
A donut peach is a flat, saucer-shaped variety of peach known for its sweet flavour and dimpled shape.
Is a donut peach a genetically modified fruit?
No. It is a natural peach variety, not a genetically modified fruit.
What is another name for a donut peach?
Common alternatives include flat peach, Saturn peach, doughnut peach, and saucer peach.
What does a donut peach taste like?
It is usually very sweet and aromatic, often with low acidity; some types have a light almond-like note.
Where do donut peaches come from?
They originated in China and were later introduced to other regions, including North America.

References

  1. Gardenia.net — https://www.gardenia.net/plant/prunus-persica-var-platycarpa-donut-peach
    Supports: Scientific name, flat shape, common names, flesh colour, flavour, and culinary uses.
  2. The Pioneer Woman — https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a60874305/what-is-donut-peach/
    Supports: Common names, origin in China, introduction to the United States, seasonal availability, and general taste description.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_peach
    Supports: Synonyms, classification as a peach variety, and flat shape.
  4. Bon Appétit — https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-a-donut-peach
    Supports: Chinese origin, introduction to the US, and flat-peach background.
  5. Specialty Produce — https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Donut_Peaches_20293.php
    Supports: Botanical classification as a flat peach variety.