Peaches are quite possibly the world’s perfect fruit, they are rich and delicious and even their flesh has an amazing texture. The aroma they fill the air with is enough to turn one’s stomach to rumble, and there’s little that can compare to a nice cold peach tea in the summer heat. Eat A Peach Day reminds you that it’s never a bad time to spend a little quality time with this perfect fruit
Like many of the world’s most delicious foods, the peach tree finds its origins deep in the NW region of China in a beautiful area in the foothills. What few people know is that the nectarine is actually the same species of fruit as the peach!
The peach originated in China and has been cultivated at least since 1000 B.C.E. It has special significance in Chinese culture: the peach has mystical attributes, and supposedly brings luck, abundance and protection.
- The Romans called the peaches “Persian Apples” naming them after the country that introduced peaches to the West.
- Spaniards brought peaches to South America and the French introduced them to Louisiana. The English took them to their Jamestown and Massachusetts colonies. Columbus brought peach trees to America on his second and third voyages.
- China is the largest world producer of peaches, with Italy second.
- California produces more than 50% of the peaches in the United States (and grows 175 different varieties).
- So many peaches are grown in Georgia that it became known as the Peach State.
- True wild peaches are only found in China. Unlike the cultivated fruit, the wild fruit is small, sour and very fuzzy.
- You can ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for two to three days.
- Nectarines are a variety of peach with a smooth skin, not a cross between a peach and a plum.
- Like the plum and the apricot, the peach is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), distinguished by its velvety skin. It is classified as a drupe, a fruit with a hard stone.
- The term, “you’re a real peach” originated from the tradition of giving a peach to the friend you liked.
- Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America.
- The United States provides about one-fourth (25%) of the world’s total supply of fresh peaches
- The World’s Largest Peach is located in Gaffney, South Carolina, and weighs over 10,000 pounds. The city of Gaffney, near Greenville, built this water tower in the shape of a peach back in 1981.
- One cup of peaches has only 60 calories so it makes a healthy grab and go snack.
- Peaches are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids.
- Full of vitamin A and C, the peach is a major immunity booster.
- Peaches can help guard against blindness because of the high amount of lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Rich in iron and potassium, peaches help with proper cell function.
Sources:
