Donut peaches are uniquely shaped freestone peaches which look remarkably like donuts, since they are flattened with a depression in the middle which suggests a donut hole. In addition to having a distinctive appearance, donut peaches also have a special flavor, with a sweet tenderness and faint hint of almond which some consumers find enjoyable. Many farmers' markets and specialty stores carry donut peaches when they come into season in the middle of the summer months, and large markets sometimes stock them as well. In warm climates, donut peaches can be grown just like regular peach trees.

The origins of the donut peach can be found in Asia, where flat peaches have been cultivated for centuries. In the mid-1800s, several varieties were exported to the United States, and Chinese flat peaches, as they were called, became popular for a brief period of time. The fruits fell out of fashion, however, and the flat peach was considered an essentially lost heirloom variety until the 1990s, when it began to enter widespread cultivation again.

The skin of donut peaches is creamy yellow with a faint red blush, and the flesh is pure white. The flavor of donut peaches is less acidic than some peach cultivars, and the peaches are also extremely juicy. They tend to be less fuzzy than some other cultivars, reminding some consumers of nectarines. Peaches and nectarines are actually separate fruits, although they are very closely related.

Some stores market donut peaches as “saucer peaches” or “Saturns,” in a reference to the unusual shape. As a general rule, donut peaches tend to be more expensive than traditional peaches because they are sort of a novelty item, but they can be used just like regular peaches in pies and fruit salads in addition to being eaten plain. When working with donut peaches, remember that they can be very juicy, and that they bruise easily, like all peaches.

To select a good donut peach in the market, look for a peach with relatively even coloring and no soft or slimy spots. The peach should yield slightly when handled, but it should not be mushy or terribly firm. Donut peaches can be left out on the counter to ripen if they are not yet perfect, and stored under refrigeration for up to three days once they have reached full ripeness. Storing the peaches in a paper bag can help to prevent insect infestation and over-ripening.