Peaches • $0.01/g

Peaches ($\textit{Prunus persica}$) are a wonderfully sweet, juicy, and fuzzy stone fruit, widely enjoyed around the world. Here is a summary of key information about peaches: ### General Facts * **Type:** They are a **stone fruit** (drupe), closely related to plums, cherries, and almonds. * **Origin:** Peaches originated in **China** over 8,000 years ago and were culturally significant symbols of longevity and good luck. * **Varieties:** There are over 2,000 varieties, generally categorized by their flesh and pit: * **Yellow vs. White Flesh:** Yellow peaches have a balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor, while white peaches are generally sweeter and less acidic. * **Freestone vs. Clingstone:** Freestone peaches have flesh that easily separates from the pit, while clingstone peaches' flesh clings to the pit. * **Nectarines:** Nectarines are actually a variety of peach, differing by only a single recessive gene that makes their skin smooth instead of fuzzy. ### Nutritional Highlights and Health Benefits Peaches are low in calories and fat and packed with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. A medium-sized peach provides: | Nutrient | Benefit | | :--- | :--- | | **Vitamin C** | A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes wound healing, and helps build collagen for healthy skin. | | **Vitamin A / Beta-Carotene** | Essential for healthy vision and supports the immune system and skin health. Beta-carotene is the pigment that gives peaches their golden-orange color. | | **Potassium** | An important electrolyte that helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. | | **Dietary Fiber** | Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and helps stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels. | | **Antioxidants (Polyphenols)** | Compounds that fight cell damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. | ### Culinary Uses Peaches are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways: * **Fresh:** Eaten raw as a simple, healthy snack. * **Desserts:** Used in pies, cobblers, crisps, shortcakes, jams, and preserves. **Grilled peaches** are a popular summer dessert. * **Savory Dishes:** Sliced into salads, used to make salsa, or paired with meats like pork or chicken. * **Drinks:** Blended into smoothies or used to flavor iced tea.