The peach is a deciduous tree native to the northwestern region of China between the Tarim Basin and the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, where it was first domesticated and cultivated. It produces juicy edible fruits with various properties, most of which are called peaches and other nectarines. This plant is closely related to almonds, cherries and plums. Peach tree usually grows in temperate climate because it requires low temperature during the winter for successful development of flowers.
Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C.
Size of peach tree depends on the variety. It can reach 13 to 33 feet in height.
You can buy two main varieties of peaches: clingstone and freestone.
Peach develops green, elongated leaves. They are lanceolate in shape and have pinnate veins.
A large peach has fewer than 70 calories and contains 3 grams of fiber.
Flowers appear on the tree before leaves. They consist of 5 pink petals. Flowers are located individually or grouped in pairs. They contain both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs.
In Georgia, the World’s Largest Peach Cobbler is made every year.
Honeybees are main pollinators of flowers.
August is National Peach Month in the USA since 1982.
Fruit of peach is botanically known as drupe (stone fruit). It consists of white or yellow flesh that is covered with yellowish-red velvety skin. Varieties of peach with white flesh are sweeter compared to the peaches that have yellow flesh.
Peaches are at their peak from June to the end of August.
Seed is large, oval in shape and protected with woody husk. Even though seed can be consumed, large doses are not recommended because it contains hydrocyanic acid which is poisonous.
There are over 2000 varieties of peaches in the world.
All varieties of peaches can be divided in two groups: clingstone and freestone peaches. In a clingstone type, flesh is tightly attached to the stone. This type of peach is mainly used for canning. Flesh of freestone types can be easily removed from the stone. This type of peach is mainly sold as fresh fruit.
The flower of peach consists of 5 pink petals.
Nectarine is a type of peach that has smooth skin instead of velvety (which is typical for peaches).
The single, large seed is red-brown, oval shaped, approximately 1.3–2 cm (0.5-0.8 in) long, and is surrounded by a wood-like husk.
Peach was known as “Persian apple” because ancient Romans believed that peach originates from Persia.
China is the world’s leading producer of peaches accounting for about half of world production.
Peaches are rich source of vitamin C, A and E. They also contain high amount of potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. Peach of an average size contains only 37 calories.
The heaviest peach weighs 810 g (1 lb 12 oz) and is an Autumnstar variety harvested by Robert Hogue (Canada).
People consume peaches raw or in the form of juices and various desserts.
In China, peach is a symbol of good luck and protection.
Peaches are used in the cosmetic industry for the production of various lotions, creams and shampoos. Peaches are also used in the industry of perfumes.
Georgia is the Peach State, but California produces about 50 percent of the USA peaches.
Peach symbolizes immortality and unity in Chinese culture. Brides use flowers of peach to decorate their hairs during wedding ceremony in China.
In 2016, China alone produced 58% of the world’s total for peaches and nectarines.
First fruit will appear on the peach tree after 3 years. This plant usually lives around 12 years.
In Vietnam, the blossoming peach flower is the signal of spring.
