The peach is a member of the rose family. It was first cultivated in China and revered as a symbol of longevity. The image was placed on pottery and received as a gift with great esteem. Travelers along caravan routes carried the peach seed to Persia before it was cultivated in Europe. In the early 1600s Spanish explorers brought it to the New World and by the 1700s missionaries had established peaches in California.
Cling or clingstone peaches have a pit to which the flesh 'clings'; freestone peaches have a pit from which the flesh is easily pulled away.
The peach is the state fruit of Georgia and South Carolina. It is also the state flower of Delaware.
The peach blossom is Delaware's official state flower
Peaches were fed to hogs and used for making brandy in colonial America.
The peach tree is considered to be the tree of life and peaches are symbols of immortality and unity. Peach blossoms are carried by Chinese brides.
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.
Peaches are a good source of vitamins A, B and C. A medium peach contains only 37 calories.
You can ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for two to three days. Sliced, fresh peaches should be tossed in lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.
Nectarines are a variety of peach with a smooth skin, not a cross between a peach and a plum.
The juice from peaches makes a wonderful moisturizer, and it can be found in many brands of cosmetics.
A peach pit contains hydrocyanic acid, which is a poisonous substance.
Like the plum and the apricot, the peach is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), distinguished by its velvety skin.
"You're a real peach” originated from the tradition of giving a peach to the friend you liked
Nutrition
Peaches are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C.
A medium size peach contains only 40 calories.
One medium peach (with skin) contains 1 gram dietary fiber.
Gafney, S. Carolina
How do you like peaches, fresh out-of-hand, or do you made a dessert like peach cobbler with them? Please share your recipes, too.
made Peach Butter once in my 1st Crockpot. It was SO good! I should find a recipe and make dome again. I would think it could be made and used like the fruit spreads wo sugar
Pretzels
- SweetLuci
on Jun. 26, 2011 at 5:15 PM