Peach vs. “Look Tho” — Are They the Same Fruit?

Many people may wonder whether peach and “look tho” (ลูกท้อ) are the same fruit.

The answer is yes. They are the same type of fruit, simply referred to by different names in Thai.

Did You Know? Peaches Are Grown in Thailand Too

Peaches grown in Thailand can be traced back to hill-tribe communities that migrated from China and brought peach seeds from southern China with them.

Over time, these peaches adapted to the highland climate of Thailand and developed into local varieties, including Pae Mung Tho and Angkhang Daeng. These traditional varieties generally produce smaller fruit compared with many imported commercial cultivars.

Later, agricultural researchers introduced international peach varieties with larger fruit and higher yields for cultivation and development in Thailand. These included varieties such as Flordasun, Flordared, Flordabelle, Earligrande, and Ying Ku from Taiwan, contributing to improvements in peach quality and commercial potential.

Peaches and the Royal Project

The Royal Project Foundation has also played an important role in the research and development of temperate-climate crops in Thailand.

Research into temperate crops began as part of efforts to provide alternative crops to replace opium cultivation, an initiative that has continued since 1969.

In 1997, peach varieties from overseas were introduced for cultivation trials to identify varieties suitable for Thailand’s climate and agricultural conditions.

Four promising varieties with desirable characteristics and commercial potential were selected:

1. Earligrande

Earligrande has a predominantly sweet flavor with soft and juicy flesh, making it particularly appealing to Thai consumers. It is suitable for fresh consumption and has a distinctive pointed tip at the base of the fruit.

Average fruit weight: approximately 150–250 grams.

2. Tropic Beauty

Tropic Beauty offers a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity. Its flesh is firm and crisp, making it ideal for eating fresh. The fruit has a rounded shape without a prominent pointed tip.

Average fruit weight: approximately 125–200 grams.

3. Jade

Jade is particularly suitable for processing, such as making peaches in syrup, although it can also be enjoyed fresh.

The fruit is relatively large and develops a beautiful golden-yellow color when ripe. It has a sweet-and-tart flavor, firm flesh, and a rounded shape.

Average fruit weight: approximately 150–250 grams.

4. Angkhang Amber

Angkhang Amber has a sweet-and-tart flavor with juicy yet firm flesh. The fruit is round with no prominent pointed tip, while its flesh has an attractive amber-yellow color.

It is particularly suitable for fresh consumption.

Average fruit weight: approximately 125–200 grams.

When Is Peach Season in Thailand?

Peaches from the Royal Project are generally harvested between April and June.

For those who would like to experience fresh Thai-grown peaches, this is a good time to look for them at stores and outlets carrying Royal Project products.

Imported peach varieties have also become increasingly accessible in Thailand through specialty fruit stores and online retailers, providing consumers with a wider variety of peaches to enjoy.

Freshly picked peaches are often considered especially delicious because of their naturally sweet aroma, juicy texture, and freshness.

So, if you ever have an opportunity to visit a peach-growing region, consider adding a peach orchard visit and fresh peach picking to your travel itinerary.

You may discover an entirely new appreciation for the wonderfully sweet, fragrant, and refreshing taste of freshly harvested peaches.