The peach (Prunus persica) is a deciduous tree native to the region of Northwest China between the Tarim Basin and the north slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, where it was first domesticated and cultivated. It bears edible juicy fruits with various characteristics, most called peaches and others (the glossy-skinned, non-fuzzy varieties), nectarines.

The specific name persica refers to its widespread cultivation in Persia (modern-day Iran), from where it was transplanted to Europe. It belongs to the genus Prunus, which includes the cherry, apricot, almond, and plum, in the rose family. The peach is classified with the almond in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. Due to their close relatedness, the kernel of a peach stone tastes remarkably similar to almond, and peach stones are often used to make a cheap version of marzipan, known as persipan.^[rx]

Peach with its botanical name Prunus persica is a fruit tree of the Rosaceae family which is grown in warmer and temperate regions of the Southern and Northern hemispheres. It belongs to the member of the stone fruit family which also includes plums, apricots, cherries, and nectarines having one large seed at the center of the fruit. The fruits are small to medium-sized. The flesh of peach varies in color from orange or white to yellow. The glossy leaves are lance-shaped and long pointed. The tree prefers well-drained and sandy or gravelly loam soils. The trees require full exposure to the sun for maximum growth. It thrives on nitrogen so they require lots of fertilizer.

More than 300 varieties of peach are available. Peaches varieties are freestone types and clingstone types. Freestone type has stones that easily separate from ripe flesh whereas Clingstone types have flesh that standby firmly on stone. The yellow-fleshed varieties such as Redhaven, Elberta, and Halford are favored in North America and white and yellow-fleshed are common in Europe.

The U.S. produces about 20% of the world’s supply with the plantation of peach trees more than 149000 acres. The blossoms are the state flower of Delaware and the fruit are the state fruit of Georgia. In the U.S, most of the peaches are grown in South Carolina, Georgia, and California. In recent years, peach production has decreased in the U.S. It is because the cost of production has increased and other is it is less expensive to import peach from other countries.

History

Genetic studies show that peaches got originated in China which were also cultivated from the early days of Chinese culture. Recently, it was considered that the domestication of peach started in early 6000 BC in the Zhejiang Province of China. Before the 10^th century BC, peaches were mentioned in Chinese writings and were a popular fruit of emperors and kings. The domestication of peach started in 4700-4400 BC in Japan during the Jomon period. The domesticated peach was brought from China to Japan. In India, the peach first appeared during the Harappan period.

In ancient times, it was found in Western Asia elsewhere. The cultivation of peach was introduced to Persia from China and reached by 300 BC in Greece. The fruit was introduced by Alexander the Great to Europe after he conquered Persians. In the 1^st century AD, peaches were well known to Romans and were widely cultivated in Emilia-Romagna. In the 16^th century, peach was brought by Spanish explorers to America and then to England and France.  In the early 17^th century, peaches were brought by horticulturist George Minifie to North American colonies from England. In the 19^th century, the commercial production of peaches was started in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia.

Plant

Peach is a small deciduous tree that grows from 10 to 30 feet in height with ½ feet across and ascending to spreading branches. It has gray bark with horizontal lenticels which becomes scaly and rough as it ages. The young branches are smooth and burgundy in color and the larger branches are gray in color. New shoots are glabrous, terete, and light green which grows from the tips of branches. The young branches bear alternate leaves which grow in dense clusters. Leaves are elliptic to lanceolate measuring 2 to 6 inches long. The pink flowers measures about 1 to 1 ½ inch across having 15 to 30 stamens. Flowers are converted into globoid-ovoid fruits which are yellow to deep orange in color and measure about 3 inches long and across. The fruit contains white or yellow flesh and ovoid and slightly flattened drupes. The plant has a woody, shallow, and spreading root system. The habitat for peach plants includes roadsides, homestead sites, and other disturbed habitats. The tree favors well-drained moist conditions, full sun, and fertile loamy soil. It is able to tolerate drier conditions, partial shade, and less fertile soil but produces smaller and few fruits.

Leaves

Each leaf is elliptic-lanceolate to elliptic-oblanceolate and is 2-6 inches long and ½-1½ inches across with serrated margins. The upper surface of the leaf is glabrous and is the medium-dark green and the lower surface of the leaf is glabrous and is pale to medium green. The glabrous petioles are light green and are ½-¾ inches long.

Flower

Young branches produce sessile flowers before the development of vernal flowers. They occur individually. Flowers measures 1 to 1 ½ inches across and have five pink petals with 15 to 30 stamens, a burgundy calyx having five rounded lobes, and a pistol with a single style. Petals are in the shape of the oval to orbicular with clawed bases. The filaments of stamens are glabrous and light pink and the long slender style is light green. The blooming starts mid-spring. Bees and other insects cross-pollinate the flowers.

Fruit

Flowers are then replaced by fruits that become mature during summer or fall. At first, the fruits are ovoid in shape, green, small and fuzzy from dense hairs. When it becomes mature, the fruits are globoid or globoid to ovoid, yellow to deep orange to red measuring 3 inches across and 3 inches long and still fuzzy from dense hairs. In comparison to the cultivated trees, the fruits of wild Peach trees are small in size. The white or yellow flesh has a sweet to tart flavor. Drupes are ovoid, slightly flattened, and ½ to ¾ inches long. The surface of drupes is red to reddish-brown and is deeply pitted.

Health Benefits of Peach

Peaches are juicy fruits that grow in the temperate regions of the world. It is a stone fruit that has a juicy, yellowish pulp and delicate aroma. This small fruit is packed with a variety of nutrients that are essential for bodily functions. Peach has a high content of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta carotene. Moreover, it also possesses Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, pantothenic acid, and folate. It also offers minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and copper. This fruit does not contain cholesterol, saturated fat, is low in calories, and is a great source of dietary fiber.

The fruit provides relief from cancer, hypokalemia, cholesterol, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and cholesterol and blood stasis. It assists to maintain skincare, healthy vision, healthy bones, teeth, and the nervous system. It possesses anti-aging activity and assists in detoxification and promotes cellular health and digestive health.

1. Prevent breast cancer

The peach extract assists in the inhibition of breast cancer in mice. The combination of phenolic compounds found in peach extracts is responsible for metastasis inhibition. The study was conducted by implanting the cancer cells under the skin of mice. The mice were fed on peach extract which showed inhibition of metastasis. The study determined an underlying mechanism due to which polyphenols inhibit metastasis. Peach contains chemical compounds which help to eliminate cancer cells without affecting normal cells. This combination of compounds helps in the inhibition of metastasis. The consumption of two or three peaches a day would help to obtain identical effects in humans as well. It has a high content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds that possess anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity and assist to prevent lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. (1)

2. Eliminate free radicals

The pulp and peels of peaches have antioxidant activity. It has chlorogenic acid that provides the protective activity. Beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein are antioxidants that assist in eliminating oxygen-derived free radicals and also protect the body from harmful effects of diseases. The diet is rich in antioxidants defense against the damage caused by free radicals. Peach has a high content of caffeic acid which prevents the body from harmful carcinogenic mold aflatoxin that is also found in corn, peanuts, and peanut butter. Caffeic acids wipe out the production of aflatoxin lowering it by 95 percent.

3. Heart health

Potassium in peaches is essential for the proper signaling of nerves and cellular functioning of the body. It assists in metabolic processes, maintaining electrolyte balance, utilizing carbohydrates, and muscular tissues regulation. Inadequate potassium in the body results in hypokalemia that affects muscular strength and causes irregular heartbeat. Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and choline support a healthy heart. A high intake of potassium with a low intake of sodium lowers the chances of cardiovascular problems. In a study, the people who took 4069 mg of potassium in a day had 49% low chances of death from heart disease in comparison to those with less potassium.

4. Healthy skin

Peaches are a great source of Vitamin C that assists to maintain skin health and prevents harmful free radicals as well as infections. It provides a protective effect against ultraviolet radiation. The study shows that antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin provide anti-inflammatory activities on skin damage caused due to UV-B radiation and also prevent hyperproliferation of cells. Peaches have flavonoids that have photoprotective effects and prevent skin from UV-induced erythema. It is also used in manufacturing beauty packs and skin creams. It possesses essential vitamins and minerals that help to eliminate dead cells and hydrate as well as revitalize skin. Antioxidants speed up the recovery process of spots and blemishes. Vitamin C can lower wrinkles, fight skin damage and also improve the overall texture of the skin. It is essential for forming collagen which is the support system of the skin.

5. Healthy eyesight

Beta-carotene found in peaches is converted into Vitamin A in the body. It is essential to maintain healthy eyesight and prevent eye problems such as blindness and xerophthalmia. The research concluded that carotenoids found in peaches such as zeaxanthin and lutein have positive effects related to lowering nuclear cataracts. Zeaxanthin and lutein settle in a macular pigment of an eye and protect the retina from macular degeneration. Moreover, it protects retinal tissues from the damage caused by free radicals. The high intake of vegetables and fruits is related to healthy hair and complexion, lower weight, increased energy, and low risk of mortality.

6. Safe during pregnancy

Peaches are loaded with essential minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C assists in the growth of bones, skin, teeth, muscles, and blood vessels of the baby. It supports iron absorption which is very essential during pregnancy. Folate prevents the chances of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Potassium wards off general fatigue and muscle cramps during pregnancy. Fiber supports healthy digestion and lower condition such as constipation.

7. Supports digestion

Peaches help to maintain digestive health due to the presence of fiber and alkaline content. The dietary fiber absorbs water and prevents stomach ailments such as hemorrhoids, constipation, gastritis, stomach ulcers, and irregular bowel movements. It helps to eradicate toxic waste from the intestines and prevent the body from abdominal disorders such as stomach cancer. The laxative properties found in peaches help in the dissolution of kidney and bladder stones.

The extract of Peach flowers is helpful for motility disorders due to the contraction of muscles that mix and eliminate materials within the gastrointestinal tract. Motility disorders include constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and diarrhea. The extract of the flower is a prokinetic agent that promotes the strength of contractions in the GI tract to maintain proper rhythm.

8. Calms nervous system

Magnesium helps in the prevention of anxiety and stress in the body and also calms down the nervous system. Lack of magnesium affects the functions of the central nervous system which leads to an increase in the activity of nerve signals and hyper excited muscles. The study shows that the foods rich in magnesium with Vitamin B6 are helpful for treating central nervous system hyperexcitability. Another study shows that magnesium helps to recover the depression symptoms.

9. Strengthen immunity

Peaches have a high content of zinc and ascorbic acid that aids normal functions of the body and assists in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin C and zinc have antioxidant and wound healing properties that counteract infections and lower the severity of diseases such as malaria, common cold, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Its deficiency leads to impaired cellular activity and oxidative bursts.

10. Strengthen bones and teeth

Phosphorus with calcium helps to strengthen teeth and bones and also helps to repair tissues of the body. It prevents bone ailments such as decalcification that could result in osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The foods with high content of phosphorus promote re-mineralization of bones and also maintain their rigidity. Vitamin C with calcium helps to strengthen gums and jawbones which keeps the teeth intact.

Side effects of overconsumption of Peaches

1. Chances of cancer

Though there are enormous health benefits of antioxidants, the high content of antioxidants in the body promotes the chances of hemorrhagic stroke and cardiovascular diseases. The high content of antioxidants such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C increases the chances of cancers and also could worsen it. The study shows that the high presence of Vitamin E increases the chances of prostate cancer by 17%. The other study shows that high content of beta carotene and retinol increases the chances of lung cancer by 28%.

2. Hyperkalemia

Though potassium is beneficial, still peaches should be consumed in moderate amounts because the high content of potassium drops down blood pressure to a low level and promotes the chances of hypotension indicated with symptoms such as lightheadedness, fatigue, depression, dizziness, and blurry vision. The patients taking high blood pressure medications should consult the doctor for their consumption. The high content of potassium in the body promotes the chances of developing hyperkalemia which is caused by an increasing level of potassium.

3. Bad for skin

Peaches are a great source of nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidants which play a vital role in maintaining skin health. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are antioxidants that counteract free radicals, stabilizes them and prevent oxidative damage to body cells and lower the chances of premature aging such as age spots, fine lines, and dark spots. Peaches have a high content of water which is essential to keep skin moisturized and hydrated.

4. Bad for eye health

Antioxidant counteracts free radicals which prevent oxidative damage to cells and lower the chances of problems such as cataract, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Though consuming peach is helpful for eye health but it should be consumed in moderate quantity. High intake of Vitamin A promotes the complications such as blurry vision, lungs, difficulty in breathing, bone pain, decrease thyroid function, and cracked fingernails.

Traditional uses

• Flowers have sedative, diuretic, and vermifuge properties that assist in treating edema and constipation.
• The decoction made from leaves is useful for whooping cough, gastritis, bronchitis and coughs, morning sickness, and vomiting during pregnancy.
• The dried and pulverized leaves are used for healing sores and wounds.
• The bark is used for treating whooping cough, gastritis, bronchitis, and coughs.
• The root bark is useful for treating jaundice and dropsy.
• Internally, it is used to treat constipation, asthma, coughs, and menstrual problems.
• In Korea, extracts of seeds are used for laryngitis, constipation, dermatopathy, menostasis, and contusion.
• Leaves in dried or powdered form are used to heal wounds and sores.
• It is helpful in soothing nausea.
• Peach is used as a tonic for digestive health which prevents the signs of dryness as well as heat.
• This fruit soothes irritation and enhances appetite.
• It also helps to calm hyperimmune responses, autoimmune conditions, and allergic reactions.
• As it acts as a relaxant nervine, it is useful for anxiety and insomnia.
• It helps to soothe urethral irritation which is caused due to dehydration and constitutional dryness.

 Precautions    

• The bitter seed of the fruit should not be consumed.
• The excess consumption of seeds causes respiratory failure and also causes death.
• The presence of allergens, it causes food allergies in some people.
• Allergic reactions such as bronchial constrictions, urticarial, asthma, and anaphylaxis might be experienced.
• Avoid excessive use of seeds.
• It should be consumed in moderate amounts.

How to Eat         

• Flowers are used as a garnish and added to salads.
• Flowers are also used to brew tea.
• White liquid can be distilled from flowers.
• Fruits are used in jams, pies, and ice creams.
• Sliced peach could be added to hot or cold cereal.
• Top the chunks or pulp of peach with vanilla ice cream.
• Peach is also used for making jelly, brandy, and liqueur.

Creamy vegan peach ice cream

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 5 ml of sweetened and unsweetened coconut milk each
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
• 3 medium ripe peaches

Directions:

1. Keep peaches aside and mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
2. Hasten to blend.
3. Gently stir in the peaches.
4. Put the mixture into an ice cream freezer.
5. Freeze till it has a consistency like ice cream.
6. Then scoop and serve.

Strawberry peach green smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole strawberries and half cup sliced ones
• 1 cup peaches (chopped)
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups of Swiss chard

Directions:

1. Layer strawberries, peaches, and greens in a blender.
2. Then cover the ingredients with water.
3. Blend till it becomes smooth.
4. Pour it into a glass and then enjoy.

Tomato peach salad with basil

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of basil leaves (fresh)
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil (extra virgin)
• Salt
• 4 ripe peaches
• Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
• 4 tomatoes

Directions:

1. Boil water in a small saucepan.
2. Then add basil leaves to boiling water and cook it for 15 seconds or till the leaves becomes bright green.
3. Transfer it to a blender and puree it till it becomes smooth.
4. Add olive oil, ½ tsp. of salt and pepper each while the blender is running.
5. Spread basil puree on a serving platter. Put the peaches and tomatoes in order on the top.
6. Sprinkle lemon juice, 1/8 tsp. of pepper, and ¼ tsp. of salt.
7. Garnish it with the leaves of basil leaves and serve.

Other Facts        

• In 1869, it was introduced from China to the United States.
• Peach was called Persian apple because it was believed by ancient Romans to be originated from Persia.
• In Chinese culture, peach symbolizes unity and immortality.
• China is the highest producer of peach in the world.
• The peach tree lives for 12 years.
• It is known as Durango in some Latin American countries.

References

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Peach - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

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