Peaches 101: Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

Peaches. These fuzzy fruits are common in many households and are amongst the most popular fruits around the world. They are sweet and often eaten fresh or dried but they can also be used in many deserts and other recipes. They are very nutritious and rich in vitamins and minerals. We will take a look at the history of peaches, how they are grown, and how you can get the most out of them.¹

Botanical Background

Peaches come from the same family as apricots, cherries, plums, and almonds. That last one may seem a bit strange but the seed of a peach tastes similar to an almond and so they are said to be closely related. Peaches were first grown in China where they were spread throughout Central Asia and Northern India before they were then taken to Europe by the Romans. Wild peach species were not fertile and therefore could not be widely harvested but the species that are used to grow the most widely used peaches are known to be fertile, allowing them to be grown in large numbers. Peaches tend to grow well in warmer climates as heat is needed for the fruit to mature. The peach tree, however, can survive in temperatures as cold as -30 degrees Celsius and so these trees are even found in the Himalayan mountains.² 

Growing Peaches

Peaches can be grown on different soil types as long as there is sufficient drainage as the trees are susceptible to waterlogging (water being held in the soil and overflowing). The soil must also be rich in organic fertilizer to provide nutrients for proper growth. The best time for planting peach seeds is between June to August as these are often the months with the most rain. They can be planted at other times of the year if there is sufficient irrigation (water systems to provide water when there is no rain). Seeds must be kept moist for 10-12 weeks to allow proper germination. 

During the growth of the trees, they require a lot of maintenance and pruning (trimming of branches) to allow for the most number of viable fruits to be grown. Peach crops are known to be resistant to many pests and diseases making them very robust. Despite this, they can be affected by some diseases such as powdery mildew and shot holes. Powdery mildew disease leads to a white powdery substance on leaves, flowers, and fruit which can be treated with a fungicide. Shot hole is a fungal infection where dark brown growths are found on the leaves. This can also be treated with fungicide. Peaches can be harvested from April to May depending on where they will be sent. For local use, fully ripe peaches can be picked from the trees by testing if they come loose by twisting. If the peaches must be sent to supermarkets or internationally then they are harvested early when they get a good colour but the skin is still firm.³  

Nutritional Value

Peaches are low in calories but contain high levels of vitamins. One medium-sized peach can contain around 6% of the daily recommended Vitamin A which is vital for maintaining good vision in the dark and keeping skin healthy. It also contains 15% of the daily recommended Vitamin C which helps in building connective tissue and strengthening the immune system. It is also a good source of antioxidants which can provide protection against ‘free radical’ damage, the cause of some types of cancers. Peaches contain many minerals such as potassium (which helps in regulating heart rate and blood pressure), iron (used in the production of red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body), and fluoride (a component of bones and teeth).⁴

Some people may be allergic to peaches. This can happen from exposure to peach flesh, skin, or eating fresh peaches. Some people with a peach allergy may also find similar reactions when eating other fruits, this is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). Allergies occur due to an immune system reaction to certain components of peaches such as proteins it may contain. These proteins may be shared with other fruits and so a similar allergic reaction may also be found when eating different fruits. Allergies can vary from person to person; someone may be able to eat peaches if they have been cooked thoroughly as the proteins are broken down. Others may find that they only react to peach skin so they can eat peeled peaches. It is important to seek medical advice to find out the extent of an allergy to better inform your eating decisions. The doctor may recommend having a ‘specific IgE component test’ which can help identify which foods you may react to.⁵ 

Culinary Uses and Storage

There are many varieties of peaches, each of which has their unique differences. Peaches can be ‘clingstone’ or ‘freestone’. Clingstone peach flesh sticks to the seed in the middle making them slightly harder to eat and use, however they are often juicier and sweeter. They are commonly eaten fresh, used in desserts or they can even be grilled. Freestone peach flesh comes off the seed much easier making them perfect for cutting into salads or to preserve in tins. 

Peaches can have different coloured flesh with the most common colours being white or yellow. White peaches have a milder, floral taste and are used in light desserts for their refreshing qualities. Yellow peaches have a stronger, tangy taste which is preferred in baking, jams, and grilling. Each flavour type can be enjoyed in many different ways and it all comes down to your tastes. 

Some popular baking recipes that use peaches include the peach cobbler or peach pie. They can also be baked or grilled for a more smoky flavour. Fresh peaches can be eaten alone or with other fruits and yogurts making a brilliant breakfast to start the day. The sweet flavour of peaches can even be incorporated into savory meat dishes by using the juice in sauces and glazes.⁶ 

When picking peaches for cooking it is important to look for quality and ripeness. A ripe peach will feel slightly soft when pressed gently, showing that it is ripe and juicy. If you are not looking to use the peach immediately then picking ones that are still firm allows them to ripen at home over a few days so they are ready when you need them. To find the best quality peaches look for fruit with vibrant colours and unblemished skin. You can even give the fruit a smell and if it has a sweet aroma then it is likely to be ripe and ready to eat. The peach season is in the summer months between May and September so the best quality peaches will be available then.⁷ 

Fun Facts and Trivia

Peaches have an important role in traditional Chinese culture. The fruit, seed, and tree bark are associated with spring, fertility, and long life. Today, sweet buns are made in the same colour and shape as peaches and are offered to older people on their birthdays as a celebration of their long life. There is also a strong spiritual belief that the peach tree branches can ward away demons and are often placed on the doors of houses. They even use peachwood to make combs and miniature swords that they hand in necklaces or inside homes to keep evil away.⁸

Summary

Peaches are an amazing fruit with a diverse history and culture related to them. They are a great source of vitamins while being sweet and easy to eat. They have many culinary uses from baking and grilling to sauces and salads. We discussed some of the differences in peach varieties as well as how you can pick out the best ones for your recipes. We hope you learn to love peaches as much as we do!