PEACHES

The peach is a member of the rose family.

Did you know there are over 700 varieties of peach?

The fruit originates from China where it is a symbol of good luck, protection and longevity. China is still the world’s biggest producer of peaches, with Italy coming in second.

The peach tree is often referred to as the ‘tree of life’. It can be identified by its flowers which have five pink petals.

A peach has less than 70 calories and is a great source of vitamins A and C. It also good for digestion. There are two basic types of peach – clingstone and freestone. In clingstone peaches, the flesh ‘clings’ to the stone making it difficult to separate. In freestone peaches, the flesh separates easily from the stone, making it easier to eat!

Peach stones are large, oval and woody. They also contain hydrocyanic acid which is poisonous so stick to eating the flesh, not the stone!

The fruit is considered a natural aid for refreshing skin and is often used in moisturizers and cosmetics. Peaches are deliciously sweet and can be enjoyed straight from the tree, in juices or desserts. They are also great in ice-cream, yogurts and jams.

QUESTIONS

1.Which country is the second biggest producer of peaches? 2.When is national peach month in the US? 3.By what name do they refer to peaches in Hungary? 4.Name the two basic types of peach. 5.What colour are the flowers of a peach tree? 6.What was built in Gaffney, USA in 1981? 7.The peach is a member of the tulip family – true or false? 8.The peach tree is often referred to as what? 9.What shape is a peach stone? 10.Why are peaches used in moisturizers?

Nectarine is a type of peach – it has smooth skin instead of the velvety skin usually associated with peaches.

In Hungary, they believe the peach to be a good stress-reliever and refer to it as the ‘fruit of calmness’. The world’s largest peach was produced in Gaffney, South Carolina. It weighed over 10,000 pounds! A peachshaped water tower was built in the city back in 1981.

In the United States, August is national peach month! So many peaches are grown in Georgia, it became known as the Peach State. It is the third most popular fruit in America.