Description

Peaches are soft, juicy and fleshy fruits produced by a peach tree which belongs to the rose family. The peach fruit develops from a single ovary. As the fruit ripens, it forms an exterior edible part of the fruit which is both juicy and fleshy and a hard interior called the stone that consists of the seed. Of the two ovules in the ovary, usually, it is only one of it that gets fertilized and develops into a seed. This is the reason why one half of the fruit is usually slightly larger than the other. The flesh of peach fruits may be white, yellow, or red depending on the variety. It is believed that peaches probably originated in China. Currently, China is the largest producer of peaches followed by Italy, Spain and the United States. The aroma of peach is a mix of the essence of alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, polyphenols, and terpenoids together. Peaches are mostly available in their best state from June to the end of August.

Health benefits

• Peaches contain fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps to move the food through the gut. This reduces the chances of constipation and aids the process of digestion. ⁽¹⁾
• Peach skin and flesh are rich in antioxidants like- carotenoids and caffeic acid. These antioxidants are found to have anti-cancer properties as they may kill cancerous cells, without causing any damage to healthy ones. ⁽¹⁾
• Peaches have a good amount of vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can help to prevent the formation of free radicals. Being a powerful antioxidant it plays a vital role in forming collagen. Collagen is a protein that acts as a support system for the skin, promoting wound healing and enhancing skin strength. ⁽¹⁾ 
• They are rich in many vital minerals such as potassium and iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids and helps to regulate heart rate and maintain proper blood pressure. Iron is vital for the formation of red blood cells and increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It also helps to prevent the onset of anemia. ⁽²⁾ 
• Fluoride is also present in peaches. It is an essential component of bones and teeth and helps in the prevention of dental caries. ⁽²⁾
• Peaches contain carotenoids, particularly pro-vitamin A carotenoids that are α-carotene and β-carotene which can be synthesized into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining normal vision and improving immunity. ⁽³⁾

Selection Guide

When selecting peaches, choose the ones that smell sweeter. Typically it is observed that the sweeter their smell, the riper they will be. Try to avoid brownish, bruised or wrinkled fruits as it indicates either damage or overripeness. Choose those peaches which have a slightly soft flesh.