Introducing the Peacotum

PARLIER, Calif.Youve heard about the pluotand perhaps even the aprium and plumcot. Now famous plant breeder Floyd Zaigerof Zaigers Genetics, father of the aprium and pluot (among dozens of others)has created a new, naturally hybridized fruit, the peacotum, which is part peach, part apricot, part plum.

The Fresno Bee reports that Zaigers new creation is now grown at Blossom Bluff Orchards in Parlier, Calif., and the unique fruit has been seeing strong demand (see Peacotum Combines 3 Tree Fruits for Distinct Taste).Ted Loewen, of Blossom Bluff Orchards (a certified-organic farm), has been selling Bella Royal peacotum at farmers markets this summer, where its popularity has been growing. The Fresno Bee article notes that in addition to its popularity at farmers markets, Bay Area chefs have also been experimenting with the fruit in desserts. It has also gone retail. Blue Chair Fruit Company has created Peacotum Jam, and most recently developed a seasonal Aprium Jam With Lemon & Kirsch.

Zaiger employs non-GMO cross-pollination and rootstock-grafting techniques to propagate new fruits, and is continually experimenting with original concepts. He spent more than a decade working on the peacotum, and it has been on the market for a few years now, ever gaining tractionand the fruit has benefited from a burst of momentum of late. In addition to Bella Royal, another cultivar, Bella Cerise is available to commercial growers. A third, Bella Gold, has been offered to home gardeners.

The peacotums flavor has been described as primarily akin to plum with hints of apricot. The texture of the tender flesh is said to resemble a peach. The fruits smooth, reddish-yellow skin also bears similarity to a peach.