Peaches!
By: Sloane Anderson
Where do peaches grow? When is there peak season?
Peaches grow very well in a fairly limited range, since they have a chilling requirement that low altitude tropical areas cannot satisfy. In tropical and equatorial latitudes, such as Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, India and Nepal, they grow at higher altitudes that can satisfy the chilling requirement. But all peaches ripen in the summer months. The further south they are grown the faster they ripen. Peaches are in season during the summer time. California peaches are typically available starting in June, while Georgia peaches normally show up in July.
Peaches are packed with Vitamins!
Peaches are packed with antioxidants vitamins, B vitamins that support metabolism and vitamin A for your eyes. It does not accumulate to toxic levels or cause side effects, which can happen with high amounts of regular vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements.
Whats benefits are in a peach?
With only 58 calories and no fat in a medium-sized peach, you’ll get energy providing carbohydrates, dietary fibre and a variety of minerals such as potassium. Peach is good for digestion and it has a diuretic effect - you can eat these fruits to cleanse your kidneys and bladder. According to research peach has a positive effect in preventing cancer (as it contains selenium).
Theres many different forms of peaches!
You can buy canned peaches that sit in a syrup, you can also buy fresh peaches. There is also peach jam that you can buy. You can buy many different kinds of peach juices at organic stores. You can also buy peaches in a snack container for your kids to bring to school.
How do I choose my peach? Where do I store them?
How to pick: It's important to pay attention to colour -- not the red blush, which is meaningless, but the background colour, particularly around the stem. If you see some green, it means the fruit is not yet ripe. Leave it at room temperature for a day or two, though, and it will ripen just fine (don't refrigerate a peach or nectarine until it is fully ripe). Also pay attention to the quality of the background colour. Most peaches and nectarines are creamy yellow; look for ones that glow an orange-ish gold, they'll be the sweetest and best-flavoured.
How to store: Peaches and nectarines will continue to ripen after they've been harvested if you leave them at room temperature. They should never be refrigerated until they are fully ripe. Chilling them before that will result in fruit that is mealy and flavourless.
Fun and Interesting facts! :)
- Peach can even have a positive effect on our scalp and it is able to reduce hair loss.
-It is a good stress-reliever, helps to reduce anxiety – it is often referred to as the ‘Fruit of Calmness’ in Hungary.
- This fruit is a member of the Rosaceae family and is a close relative of almonds.
-August is the National Peach Month in the USA since 1982.