The peach belongs to the genus Prunus and the rose family (Rasaceae). They belong to the stone fruit and are particularly popular as a summer fruit. There are a countless number of varieties, which not only look different, but some also taste different.
This is what you should know about the peach
The peach is not only extremely tasty, but also healthy. It contains various vitamins and minerals that the body needs. Peach trees reach growing heights of up to eight meters. The branches are reddish in color on the sunny side, while the other side has a green tint. They are glabrous and grow straight. The leaves are divided into blade and petiole and are arranged alternately on the stem. Their leaf margins are double and have fine teeth. The upper and lower sides of the leaves are glabrous and dark green. In Central Europe, the flowering time of the peach tree is in April. The peach itself is a spherical drupe with a diameter of up to ten centimeters. A longitudinal furrow marks the outside of the fruit. Its coloration is usually yellow or pale green, becoming reddish on the sunny side. Peaches are smooth, but still have a velvety pubescence. The flesh of the fruit has several views and is usually orange or pale green in color. It is also extremely juicy. The pit, located in the center of the peach, has deep indentations and a thick skin. It is hard and cannot be eaten with it, as is the case with apples, for example. Peaches, for example, come in red-fleshed, yellow-fleshed and white-fleshed varieties. Some are non-stone soluble, others stone soluble. Some familiar ones are Red Haven, Suncrest, and White Ellerstadt. Red mountain peaches are rarely eaten raw because of their intense flavor and odor, but are primarily made into liqueur or jam. Varieties or hybrids of the peach are the so-called flat peach and the nectarine. The main areas of cultivation are Italy, Spain and China. In southern China there is also the first evidence of peach cultivation dating back more than 8000 years. Via China, the fruit first reached Persia before coming to Greece. From there it was brought to Central Europe by the Romans. Today, peach trees grow in all areas where there is a dry and warm climate. They have spread all over the globe, although in Germany they thrive mainly in areas with viticulture. These include the Rhineland or the Palatinate. Peaches taste very juicy when ripe and are pleasantly sweet. If they were harvested too early, they are usually still quite hard and have a rather sour taste. In addition, they taste less strong. Starting in May, the first peaches arrive in Germany from Italy and Spain. However, the peak season is in summer. It is between July and September. The peaches, which are found in the trade in the other months come mostly also Argentina, South Africa and Chile.
Importance for health
The peach is not only extremely tasty, but also healthy. It contains various vitamins and minerals that the body needs. In addition, the water content in peaches is quite high, which is why they are particularly refreshing in the summer and help to provide enough fluid. They are a healthy alternative to sweets and are also popular with children. Peaches strengthen the immune system and help against stress. They strengthen cells and generally contribute to better well-being. It is especially important to wash the fruit before eating, as pollutants and insecticides can be deposited in the outer skin of the peach.
Ingredients and nutritional values
| Nutritional information |
Amount per 100 gram |
| Calories 39 | Fat content 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol 0 mg |
Sodium 0 mg |
| Potassium 190 mg | Carbohydrates 10 g |
| Protein 0.9 g |
Vitamin C 6.6 mg |
100 grams of the fruit contain about 39 kilocalories. Alone 87 grams of it are covered by water. Fat contain peaches hardly. On the same quantity come just 0.3 grams of fat. On the other hand, peaches contain some minerals. These include calcium, magnesium and potassium. For example, 100 grams contain 105 milligrams of potassium. The contained provitamin A is processed in the body to vitamin A.Otherwise, it also contains some vitamins of the B group. Although the peach is not one of the fruits that provide the most vitamin C, its content is not to be despised. The daily requirement of vitamin C is covered with 100 grams of peaches to 13%. Potassium accounts for 9% and magnesium for 3%. In addition to 1.9 grams of fiber and 8.9 grams of carbohydrates, peaches contain about 0.8 grams of protein.
Intolerances and allergies
Allergies to peaches occur primarily around the mouth. This form of intolerance is called oral allergy syndrome. After apples, peaches are the second most common trigger for this form of intolerance among fruits. Other reactions, however, are rare. Some people may react to peaches with gastrointestinal symptoms. In Central Europe, typical allergic reactions include swelling and itching in the mouth area. A burning sensation or pain may also occur. In severe cases, blistering is to be expected. In addition, peach allergy in pollen allergy sufferers can also be due to birch pollen. The leaves of a peach can also trigger contact reactions in this case. Less frequently, rhinitis or bronchial asthma may occur. The main allergen in peaches is in the skin of the fruit – less so in the flesh.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying peaches, pay attention to the skin. If it is unbroken and plump, the peach is still fresh. If the fruits are already soft or form wrinkles, they should not be purchased. They are fully ripe when they exude a sweet fragrance. If they are bought in this condition, they should be consumed as soon as possible. Many people prefer to buy peaches while they are still slightly hard and let them ripen for a few days at room temperature. Since they are very sensitive to pressure, peaches should be handled with special care. The fruit can be stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for four to five days. Before eating, the fruit should be washed and patted dry. It can then be cut in half and the stone removed. After that, the peach can be processed according to needs and recipes.
Preparation tips
It can either be eaten directly or used as a base for desserts, pies, drinks and cakes. It is popularly used as a topping for fruit pies. In France, peaches are popularly cooked or poached. They can be made into jam or compote and can be served with raspberry puree, for example. Savoury dishes can also be prepared with peaches. Together with chicken and arugula, peaches can be made into a summer salad. Another option is to combine pork tenderloin and gratinated toast with peaches. In addition, the fruit can be used to garnish cereals or other cereal products. It can be made into yogurt drinks or shakes and is also suitable as a side dish for rice pudding.
