43 Luscious Peach Facts That You Are Probably Not Aware Of

The peach tree is from the rose family.

Peaches are grown in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, in regions where there is warmer temperature. They are eaten fresh, dried and also used to make baked food.

Peach trees rarely reach heights over 25 ft (7 m). When cultivated, they are commonly kept between heights of 10-13 ft (3-4 m) by way of pruning.

A History Of Peaches

The term 'persica,' which is the scientific name of the peach fruit, came from the belief that the fruit was native to Persia. The literal meaning of the scientific name given to this fruit, Prunus persica, means Persian plum, due to this belief regarding the fruit's origin as well as its resemblance to plum.

Despite the scientific name for the peach implying that the fruit came from Persia, genetic studies have found that peaches originated in China.

Peach trees are native to northwest China.

Recent evidence and findings indicate that the domestication of peaches occurred as early as 6000 BC in the Zhejiang Province of China.

Ancient Romans used the term malum persicum, meaning Persian apple, to refer to the fruit.

Evidence of a domestic peach in 4700-4400 BC, during the Jōmon period in Japan, was found.

Peaches appeared for the first time in India in 1700 BC, in the Harappan period.

It is widely suggested that Alexander the Great was the one who introduced peaches to Greece after conquering Persia. However, no evidence to suggests this claim to be true has been found as of yet.

Peaches were first brought to America in the 16th century by Spanish explorers, and were then eventually introduced to England and France. Peaches were an expensive delicacy at that time.

The oldest peach stones found through archeological digs were from the Kuahuqiao site in China.

The commercial production of peach fruit started in America in the 19th century. the first commercial trees were grown in Maryland, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Historical findings suggest that peaches were cultivated in Roman north-western Continental Europe. However, production collapsed in the sixth century, and some level of revival happened in the ninth century.

Varieties And Production

Peach trees grow in a limited range of dry, temperate climates, and will not thrive and produce good fruit crops if grown outside of these areas.

Peaches come in over 2,000 varieties worldwide, and while they originated in China, peach trees are now planted in many nations.

The peach flowers bloom early in March in western Europe and would get damaged or killed if the temperature drops below 25 F (−4 C).

Commercial peach trees are classified into freestone and clingstone peaches.

The trees of this fruit have an average lifespan of approximately 12-15 years.

The national peach month is celebrated in August.

Georgia, in the USA, is the peach state and makes the world's largest peach cobbler.

Peaches grow from a single ovary which ripens to form a juicy exterior and a hard interior called the stone. Thus the fruit is called a stone fruit.

Freestone peaches have stones that can easily separate from the flesh, while clingstone peaches, as the name suggests, have stones which cling to the flesh.

Countries like China, Italy, Spain, and the US are the main producers of peaches.

The Mediterranean countries, especially Spain and Italy, are currently the main exporters of peach.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the production of peach has increased drastically since the 1980s .

The heaviest peach ever recorded was 1.78 lb (807 g).

Peaches, Nutrition, And Peach Dishes

The peach is a fuzzy fruit that is handpicked from trees. The average lifespan of the peach tree is 12-15 years, and a single peach tree can produce approximately 66 lb (30 kg) of peach.

The raw peach is 89% water, with 10% carbohydrates and 1% protein with little fat.

The glycemic load (related to sugar content) of an average peach is estimated to be five, which is similar to other low-sugar fruits.

Red-fleshed peaches are rich in anthocyanins.

Peaches are used to make pies, ice cream, and even soup.

Peaches contain high levels of vitamin C, A, K, and B1.

The fuzz on peaches is a defense mechanism to protect the fruit from pests.

Nectarines are peaches without the fuzz. They have smooth skin.

One cup (154 g) or slice of the fruit has 0.15 mcg of Selenium.

Peaches are often canned, stewed, and even dried.

Peaches are related to almonds, cherries, and plums.

Cultural Significance

Originally from China, the peach is a fruit that used to be a wild fruit but became a commercially produced product important across the world. Even the great explorers used to take saplings along with them.

Peaches were represented in various literature and cultural items in China.

Many Chinese script rolls refer to peaches or are written about them.

Peach soup used to be served on the eve of each new year to get rid of evil.

Peaches were a symbol of fertility and were suggested as having many magical qualities.

Peaches were a status symbol and popular fruit for Asian rulers.

In Daoist mythology, deities' immortality and everlasting existence were ensured by the Queen Mother of the West by having them feast on peaches of immortality.

Peaches are used to depict the realism and fleeting nature of life in European paintings.

Peach pie from the southern area of the USA tells the history of the settlers.

Some Religious rites include peaches at times, with different illustrations portraying Buddha holding a peach.

Bows made of peach wood were used to shoot arrows and chase demons.

The peach is a fruit that many love and has important cultural significance. This fruit has traveled around the world and has gained popularity for centuries. It has its history and fan base.

FAQs

What is unique about peaches?

Peaches have fuzz around them and have a stone as a pit inside them.

What is a peach good for?

Peaches contain many different vitamins and nutrients, and they can be used to make both sweet and savory food.

Why is it called a peach?

It was first known as malum persicum, which came to be known as pêche in French, later becoming peach in English.

What is the largest peach?

The largest of all the peaches is the jumbo flaming fury.

Why are peaches fuzzy?

It is a protective mechanism to prevent pests and other damages to the fruit.

What does peach symbolize?

Peach symbolizes fertility, purity, and youth.

What climate do peaches grow in?

Peaches tend to prefer a temperate climate.

What is a contender peach?

Contender peaches are cold and hardy peaches which have the ability to tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

How long do peach trees live?

Peach trees have a life span of approximately 12-15 years.

What are little peaches called?

Small peach types that usually grow in California are called Ventura peaches.

Where did peaches originate?

Peaches were considered to originate from Persia. However, they come from China, as per archeological evidence.