Peaches, along with cherries, plums, and apricots, are stone fruits called drupes. This species is divided into varieties where the flesh separates from the pit easily versus varieties where it firmly sticks to the pit.
Some varieties have a sweeter taste, while others are a little more tart. However, no matter which variety you prefer, you’ll benefit from them either way.
There is a lot more to peaches than that meets the eye. So let’s take a look at some fun facts about Peaches.
History and origin of peaches
No factual information is complete without mentioning the origin or history of the subject under discussion.
The peach tree was first cultivated in the North-Western region of China near the Kunlun Mountains. Some historians believe that the cultivation of peaches began somewhere around 6000 BC. With time the cultivation and domestication of peachtree began all over the world.
However, China is still the largest producer of Peaches in the world. Even today, peaches are considered as a symbol of longevity and good luck.
The peach tree (Prunus persica) is a deciduous fruit tree that is native to China. It was first transported to the West by the Persians and then by the Romans.
The most important peach-producing regions in the Northern hemisphere are the United States (California, South Carolina, Colorado, Georgia) and the neighboring regions of Canada.
Venezuela and Mediterranean countries such as Spain produce the Cieza peach and the Calanda peach. In the Southern hemisphere, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, South Africa, and New Zealand are the main producers.
8 interesting peach facts
When you promote this fruit to consumers, include these interesting facts:
- The peach contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, chlorine, manganese, copper and iron.
- In some Latin American countries, it is known by the name durazno and is very popular there.
- It is considered one of the 20 essential foods for a healthy life.
- In ancient China, peaches were considered a symbol of long life and immortality.
- There are over 200 varieties of peaches.
- Peaches and apricots are very similar. The only thing that separates them is a gene.
- They are also known as the Persian apple.
- White-fleshed varieties are typically very sweet with little or no bitterness. The most popular ones come from countries like China, Japan, and their Asian neighbors. Varieties with yellow flesh come from European and American countries and can have a more bittersweet taste. The skin of both types has reddish tones.
10 fun facts about peaches
Peach is one of the tastiest fruits to ever grace our planet. It is known for its sweet taste and soft texture. When we look at a peach, all we see is a delicious food but in reality, it is much more than that. People can enjoy a lot of health benefits by consuming peaches on a regular basis. Here are some fun facts about peaches you might have not known.
Scientific name: The scientific name of peaches is Prunus Persica. The name is a combination of the fruit’s genus PRUNUS and Persica refers to the fruit’s extensive cultivation in Persia.
Average life span and size: On average, a peach tree can live up to 12 years. A peach tree can grow up to a maximum height of 33 feet.
Peaches versus nectarines: Nectarines and Peaches are actually the same fruits however they are considered as different fruits in the commercial market. Their different is due to a genetic mutation which causes the nectarines to be hairless whereas Peaches have certain types of fuzzy skin properties.
Cultivation climate: Peaches tend to grow in a dry or temperate climate. Peach trees have a chilling requirement which means that they have to experience a certain level of cold weather during their fruit-bearing cycle.
The peach state: The American state of Georgia is known as the peach state. Every year, the world’s largest peach cobbler is made in Georgia. The size of the peach cobbler is 11 ft by 5 ft. Even though Georgia is known as the Peach State, the state of California produced the largest amount of peaches in the United States of America.
Varieties of peaches: There are two major varieties of peach.
- Clingstone
- Freestone
As clear from the name, the flesh of the peach clings on to the pit which makes it harder to take the flesh off the peach. Whereas it can be easily taken off from the pit in freestone variety. It is believed that there are hundreds of different types and species of Peaches in the world. Some of them are uniquely shaped like a hockey puck. However, they have the same nutritional value as other types of peaches.
Persian apples: Did you know that peaches were once known as Persian Apples? This was because of the fact that the Persians were the ones who introduced the western world to peaches even though peaches originated in China.
Peach tradition: The term “you are a peach” actually has a story behind it. There was a tradition where people gave peaches to their friends that they liked the most.
Peaches in literature: The mention of peaches in literature can be traced back to the year 79 AD. However, some people claim that peaches were first mentioned in Chinese writings in the time around 10 BC.
Genus: Peaches belong to the genus prunus. Apricots, almonds, cherries, and plums also fall in the same classification.
In addition to these fun and informative facts, we can now take a look at some of the health and nutritional facts related to peaches.
Nutritional facts about peaches
Peaches are very healthy and nutritious fruit. They offer a lot of health benefits to consumers. Let’s take a look at some of the nutritional facts and information about peaches.
Improve digestion: Peaches contain insoluble fiber that can help move the food through your gut thus reducing the risk of constipation and improving digestion.
Heart health and peaches: Peaches can help you reduce the risk of heart diseases by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Peaches inhibit the growth of cancer cells: From saving you from heart diseases to stopping the growth of cancerous cells in your body, peaches do it all. Peaches can help in reducing the creation, growth and spreading of cancerous cells throughout the body.
Peaches provide skincare: A lot of people don’t know this but consuming peaches and using peach flower extracts can actually help in protecting your skin from harmful rays. It makes the skin look more healthy and fresh. It can also help you overcome skin allergies. Peaches are also used in the production of lotions, creams, and other cosmetics.
Peaches can boost your immunity system: Our immunity system plays a very important role in saving us from different types of diseases. Peaches contain compounds in them that can help in boosting your immunity system. This can help in reducing the risk of dangerous diseases and can also make you feel healthier.
Reduce anxiety and stress: Consuming peaches can help you reduce stress and anxiety. This property of the fruit has earned it the name of Fruit of Calmness.
Nutritional value of peaches
If you’re feeling a cold coming on, reach for a peach. This is due to the fact that a single serving contains about 15% of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system when taken regularly.
Unlike their high vitamin content, peaches are very low in calories. One piece of this fruit comes in at just 50 calories. To put this into perspective, many candy bars can contain well over 200 calories and are loaded with processed sugar. So, next time you’re craving dessert, try grabbing a fruit instead.
Because peaches are low in calories, you may be wondering how they could ever make you full. Another one of their health benefits is that they contain vitamins and minerals that work to fill you up. Those 50 little calories go a long way.
A Peach a Day…
Studies show that peaches actually reduce the risk of heart disease and many types of cancer, two of the most common health problems in the world today. This is due largely to the fruit’s antioxidants. This means that the nutrients work to rid your body of harmful agents which can lead to diseases.
By stepping into the produce aisle, you could prevent yourself from having to step into a doctor’s office down the line.
Uses for peaches
Peaches are delicious on their own, so they don’t require too much work when put into meals or snacks. The recipes are super simple and will have you adding the ingredients to your grocery list every week.
Baking
Watch this quick video to find out how to make an easy peaches dump cake that will be sure to put smiles on your guests’ faces.
No-Heat Treat
In addition to cooking them in order to incorporate them into pastries, peaches can also add some much-needed refreshment to a hot summer day. Simply chop them up, and add them to a fruit salad along with blueberries and your favorite type of apple.
Dried Peaches
Additionally, much like plums and apricots, peaches are among the best fruits to dehydrate. The dried fruit is perfect to toss into a plastic baggie and into a lunch box. But being easy to transport isn’t a dried peach’s only appealing quality.
Health benefits of dried peaches
We’ve already talked about how healthy peaches are, but it is important to understand that dried fruit has different nutrition information than fresh fruit. So, let’s look at the benefits of dried fruit, too.
Dried peaches are lower in sugar and higher in protein and potassium than other dried fruits such as dates and cranberries. The potassium helps with heart function and helps prevent muscle cramping. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to throw some dried peaches into your gym bag or take some with you on a long hike.
Something to Consider
Because they have less water mass, dried fruits are much smaller than their fresh form. This makes it very easy to consume much more than you might eat otherwise. It is important to keep in mind how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in dried fruit.
Another thing to consider is sugar content. Watch out for brands with added sugar in the ingredients, and reach instead for dried peaches that are simply that: peaches!
How to sell peaches
Hispanic merchants can advertise this delicious fruit to be sold fresh, dried or frozen. To better inform your customers, you may recommend freezing the pulp and blending it with vanilla yogurt for a refreshing smoothie or summer breakfast.
It can also be served in restaurants, combined in a salad with other fruit such as plums and cherries.
Marketing Benefits
Because peaches are so healthy, consumers naturally grab for them in the farmers market or grocery store. But their vitamins and minerals aren’t the only things working for these little fruits. They are also eye-catching and mouth-watering.
Because fruits are so colorful and appealing on their own, companies don’t need to put too much money or effort into promoting peaches. They’re sweet, juicy, and easy to pack into a lunch box. They speak for themselves and don’t require any fancy packaging or complicated marketing.
But if marketing happens to be a matter of importance, companies will find that they simply need to stress the versatility of peaches. They can be added to dishes, cooked, pureed, or even made into a sweet summer jam. The possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, a ripe, sweetly-smelling peach will almost always grab the customers’ attention. Simply be sure to make the peaches visible and easy to pick up, and they’ll do the rest of the work.
It’s peachy
As many upsides, as peaches have, it is important to keep your diet balanced. The health benefits of this wonderful fruit are magnified when aided by other nutritious foods. So, try adding peaches to a leafy green salad or cottage cheese for a little variety. You might just find your new favorite snack!
As mention in the beginning, a Peach is more than just a delicious fruit. It has a lot of health benefits and a lot of history attached to it. It is one of the oldest known fruits that has stood the test of time.
So If you want to enjoy a sweet and healthy eating experience then consuming peaches can be an ideal choice. They are sweet and filled with necessary vitamins and proteins. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away and considering peaches were also once known as Persian apples and with the health benefits associated with peaches, we can say the same thing about peaches as well.