Peaches for Health and Beauty

The Origins of the Peach

Kung-Fu-Tze, better known as Confucius, was a Chinese philosopher and sage who lived in the 5th century B.C. He is said to have contemplated many of life’s problems while strolling through orchards of peach trees. The Chinese adored the peach not only for its delicious taste but also for the enchanting fragrance of its pink blossoms, which they believed possessed magical powers to ward off evil spirits.

From the Orient to Rome

Peaches are native to the Orient and are cultivated in India’s northern hill stations. They were introduced to Rome from Persia during the reign of Emperor Claudius. The Latin name, Amygdalus persica, translates to ‘Almonds of Persia,’ a name derived from the bitter almond flavor of their kernels. Peaches rapidly gained popularity throughout the Mediterranean.

The Peach in America

Spanish explorers carried peach stones to the New World, planting them in Mexico and Florida. Both white settlers and Native Americans cultivated peaches extensively, to the point that by 1682, there was not a single plantation in America without peach trees.

The Peach in England and Its Health Benefits

The fruit was known in England during the 16th century. Tudor herbalists held the peach in high regard, recommending it for promoting a good complexion. They suggested making syrup from the leaves to soothe coughs and sore throats. However, due to their preference for warmer climates, peaches remained a luxury for most people until recently.

Characteristics and Storage

The small, bushy, fan-shaped trees that bear peaches are delicate and short-lived. They thrive best in areas protected from frost, as their flowers and fruit buds appear before the leaves and can easily be destroyed by a late cold snap. The fruit is juicy and round, featuring delicate yellowish-red skin and a hard, rough stone-like seed. Due to its perishability, advancements in transportation and refrigeration have been essential for successfully distributing peaches worldwide.

The Global Peach Market

While English peaches are highly regarded, they do not meet the demand, prompting imports of other varieties from Italy, Spain, France, and South Africa. Peaches come in two main types: freestone and clingstone. Both varieties are not only delicious but also valued for their nutritional content, as they are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, along with essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, and chlorine.

Uses of Peaches

Additionally, the kernels of peaches provide persic oil, which is utilized in various industries as a substitute for almond oil and in cosmetic products. The peach’s rich history and diverse uses make it a fruit worth celebrating.