In Prato, You Can Find Peaches Made From Pastry
Summertime can be exciting for many reasons, one of which is fresh fruit. Country Living reports that some of the best summer produce includes cherries, watermelon, apricots, figs, and, of course, peaches. Who doesn't love these stone fruits? Taste of Home shares that peaches are classified into three categories: clingstone, freestone, and semi-freestone, which is a cross between the two. The most popular varieties include yellow, white, donut, Babcock, and Belle of Georgia peaches, coming from the peach state itself.
And let's not forget about nectarines, a type of peach without the fuzz on the skin. They're also sweeter than regular peaches and are very suitable for grilling, so try them out at your next cookout. (Alternatively, try out this easy baked peaches recipe.)
And in Italy, one type of peach is protected with a Geographical Indication (IGP): Pesca di Verona, grown in the Verona area (per Fresh Plaza). However, in Prato, you can find some "peaches" that are completely different than all of the well-known types mentioned here.
Prato peaches are brioche halves drenched in Alchermes liqueur and filled with custard
A major city in the Tuscan region is Prato, famous for its architecture, churches, and museums (per Summer in Italy). There's much to do in Prato; The Crazy Tourist recommends visiting the textile museum and tasting Italian food such as the popular Prato biscotti, or indulging in a cured meat delicacy called mortadella di Prato. We've got one more tasty thing for you to try: pesche di Prato, or Prato peaches. You might be surprised to find out that these peaches are not a fruit at all. This traditional dessert dates back to 1861, but it was more recently re-popularized by pastry chef Paolo Sacchetti (per La Cucina Italiana).
Prato peaches consist of two brioche halves that are drenched in Alchermes liqueur, "glued" together with creamy vanilla custard and dusted with sugar to look similar to real peaches. Visit Tuscany reports that today, chef Sacchetti makes these traditional, almost-forgotten treats in his pastry shop, which is located right behind Piazza del Duomo. If by any chance you happen to set foot there, make sure to get a taste of these deliciously fake peaches.