Development of Varieties Allowing Mid-Summer Market Shipment Following the Scarce 'Sinbi' Variety
'Momo-type (nectarine) peach variety "Sweet Queen" developed by Gyeongbuk Agricultural Research and Extension Services.'
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Dongwook Park] The Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced on the 18th that they are conducting pilot cultivation, expansion, and distribution of new low-acidity nectarine varieties developed by the Rural Development Administration.
Peaches are divided into two types: hairy peaches (Yumo-gye, 有毛) with fuzz on the skin and fuzzless peaches (Mumo-gye, 無毛). Specifically, fuzzless peaches are referred to as "Cheondo" (Nectarine).
Recently, among young consumers, the popularity of Cheondo has surged because it has no fuzz, eliminating allergy concerns, and its low acidity allows for a fully sweet taste. Last year, the low-acidity white-flesh Cheondo variety called "Sinbi" experienced a shortage, causing prices to soar above 10,000 KRW per kilogram.
However, according to the Gyeongbuk Agricultural Research and Extension Services, most varieties currently cultivated by farmers are concentrated in high-acidity yellow-flesh types.
Accordingly, the Cheongdo Peach Research Institute is taking advantage of the rising popularity of high-sugar, low-acidity Cheondo as a great opportunity to expand the brand power of Gyeongbuk's nectarine. Since last year, pilot cultivation plots of new low-acidity Cheondo varieties developed by the Rural Development Administration have been established in Gyeongsan and Yeongcheon, the largest nectarine production areas in Korea.
The new varieties to be expanded and distributed this time?'Yellow Dream,' 'Sweet Queen,' and 'Innocence'?complement the short harvest period of existing varieties and can be supplied to the market through July and August, the midsummer months.
'Innocence' is a white-flesh variety like 'Sinbi,' while 'Yellow Dream' and 'Sweet Queen' are high-sugar, low-acidity yellow-flesh varieties. Especially, 'Sweet Queen,' which is harvested in late July, has low acidity, weighs about 280g per fruit, and boasts an excellent taste with 14.5 degrees Brix (Bx) sugar content.
Shin Yongseup, Director of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, stated, "Feeling the rising popularity of low-acidity sweet Cheondo, we will strive to leverage this new consumer trend well and restore the reputation of 'Cheondo peaches are indeed from Gyeongbuk.'"
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