Peaches and Nectarines are the same species, but for commercial purposes are considered two different fruits. While Nectarines resemble peaches, they are sweeter and more nutritious. Best when tree ripened, but they bruise easily so most are picked early. Let ripen for a couple days before use. Avoid nectarines that are too hard or that have green spots, or those that are bruised. Freestone varieties arriving in June and July are generally better than the cling varieties that come later. Substitutes: (One
of)peaches, apricots. The peach (Prunus persica) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is a close relative of the cherry, apricot, and almond. Grown in temperate regions, the peach is loved as a delicious staple around the world. Do you know that just like the pineapple, the peach is also a symbol of luxury particularly in the United States? Read on to learn more about the peach and its popular uses today. HistoryThe peach is known to have originated in northwest China where it was domesticated as early as 6000 B.C. in the Yangtzi River. It was considered an important part of the Chinese culture as peach blossoms are believed to drive away evil spirit and give strength. When Chinese emperors travel from town to town, soldiers in front of them would carry peach blossoms. These blossoms are also hung by Chinese people on their front doors during New Year. It is said that the peach was introduced by the Persians to the Romans and that is how it acquired its botanical name Prunus persica which means “Present from Persia”. When the Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great overthrew Persia, he brought peach seeds to Europe where the fruit proliferated throughout France and Spain. Then, in their 16th century exploration, the French and Spaniards introduced the peach to South America where it grew rapidly in many parts of the country. From America, the peach reached England and there it became a prestigious delicacy. In fact, the peach is Queen Victoria’s favorite after-dinner delight. In the 17th century, English colonist George Minifie grew what is believed to be the first peach ever planted in North America. He planted this at his home in Virginia. Even Thomas Jefferson loved peaches that in 1768 he started cultivating 38 species of this fruit in the south orchard at his Monticello state. In 1811, Jefferson’s orchard was already teeming with around 160 peach trees. After a hundred years, peaches were commercially grown in Maryland, Delaware, Georgie, and Virginia. Where Peaches are GrownThe peach is cultivated in temperate regions around the world, although it is found to grow best in a Mediterranean climate. Today, the top producing countries of peaches are China, Spain, Italy, United States, and Iran. China produces around 14 million tonnes of peaches every year. NutritionThe peach is known to be an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and many other minerals. According to the USDA Food Compositions Databases, a medium-sized peach contains the following:
TypesThe peach has over 2,000 varieties found around the world, but its varieties are usually categorized into three based on how they cling to the pit. These categories are clingstone, freestone, and semi-free-stone. Clingstone peaches are those whose yellow flesh is attached securely to their pit. They are ideal for snacking because of their high sugar content. On the other hand, freestone peaches are those whose flesh can be easily detached from their pit. Unlike clingstone peaches, freestone peaches are ideal for cooking, baking and canning. Semi-free-stone peaches are bred from clingstone and freestone peaches which combined the best of both worlds. Another way to classify peaches is according to their color. They may be yellow or white and their color could give a hint as to their taste. Yellow peaches are a bit tangy, while white peaches tend to be sweet. Below is a list of famous varieties grouped according to color. Yellow Peaches
White Peaches
Popular UsesThe peach is commonly eaten as a delicious snack, but it can be used for other purposes as well. Here are some of them:
Other uses of the peach includes baking cakes, preparing sandwiches and cobblers, and concocting Bellinis. How many grams is the average peach?One large peach (about 147 grams) has about: 68 calories. 2 grams fiber. 1.3 grams protein.
How much does one peach weigh?Peaches are pretty uniform in size and shape. They generally weigh about 1/4 to ⅓ of a pound (110 to 150 grams), so there are about 3 to 4 peaches per pound (450 grams).
How big is a small peach?Based on the information provided by the USDA, one small peach (2.5 inches in diameter (130g) contains approximately contain 51 calories. Peaches also offer smaller amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and some B vitamins.
What is a large peach?A freestone peach is larger and typically not as juicy as their clingstone cousins, but, don't worry, you'll still need a handful of napkins. They're sweet, but not too sweet for baking, easy to slice, and can be eaten just like an apple in the palm of your hand.
|