The University of Chile has patented a new plum variety called Sweet Pekeetak. It's an Asian cultivar with unique characteristics, such as very late blossoming and ripening. Compared with the more well-known varieties Friar and Angeleno, Sweet Pekeetah is harvested 35-40 and 15-20 days later, respectively.
"Trees are medium vigorous and produce 140-150 gram plums with a yellow-greenish flesh. They are firmer, crunchier and with a higher Brix level than Angeleno plums. In addition, they have a higher balance between sweetness and acidity with a soluble solid content of 20-22% (compared to the 16% of the Angeleno variety)," reported breeder Rodrigo Arturo Infante Espineira.
"The longer duration of ripening means harvesting can be delayed and higher grades and soluble solid content can be achieved without compromising post-harvest storage, which can last up to 60 days at 0°C. The variety is not sensitive to low temperatures, and is therefore suitable to be exported to faraway markets."
Source: United States Patent Application No. 2018/0160583, 7th June 2018.