The One Fruit David Chang Can't Get Enough Of
David Chang has long been a fan of the peach. The very name of his eatery, Momofuku, means "lucky peach." His favorite Allman Brothers album is "Eat a Peach" – which happens to also be the title of his very own memoir. His now-closed convenience store was called Peach Mart. Chang is devoted to the fuzzy fruit beyond all others. But what is it about this magnificent comestible that has this beloved chef paying such homage to it?
Sure, peaches taste great in pie and cobbler; to many people, these desserts are an essential part of summer. They can be turned into truly delectable jam that suits toast, pancakes, waffles, and scones, among other baked goods. When chopped up, they can be used in vibrant relishes and salsas. Peaches are also fantastic eaten straight off the tree, with no adulteration whatsoever. They are fabulously juicy — often tipping over into glorious messiness — from the very first bite. But why is this fruit such an important part of Chang's naming process, specifically?
Peachy peace
Peaches are intensely symbolic in several cultures. In China, for example, they are associated with vitality. In fact, the blossoms of the tree the fruit grows on are thought to bring good fortune and help keep you young. Korean culture also contains quite a lot of folklore and symbolism surrounding this juicy stone fruit. It's often regarded as a symbol of both riches and longevity, along with honor and happiness.
However, Chang's love for the peach may go back to what the peach represents on the Allman Brothers album he names as his fave. There, peaches represent something simple: peace. Per Live for Live Music, Duane Allman, the Southern rock band's founding guitarist, was once asked, "How are you helping the revolution?" Allman responded, "Every time I'm in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace. But you can't help the revolution, because there's just evolution." That simple sentiment is a powerful one — powerful enough, perhaps, to affect Chang's love of the fruit.