Peaches (Prunus persica) and benefits

Peaches (Prunus persica)

The peach is a member of the rose family. It was first cultivated in China. Peach is considered to be a sign of Good Luck, longevity and immortality in China. Now, most of the world’s commercial production comes from California, Italy, Spain, Grace, Mexico and Chile. 

The average height of a mature peach tree is 4-10m and 6in wide. The leaves are 8-16cm long and 2-3cm wide. Flowers are pale pink and are about 2-3cm in diameter. The fruits, however, vary colour depending on the variety. Yellow, Cream is most common. Some of them may have red blushes. Fruits are sweet and fragrant. They have White-yellowish flesh. White flesh is sweet and yellow is little acidic.

SOIL: Peaches are best grown in sandy loam to clay loam, well-drained soil with a PH level of 6.5. 

CLIMATE: They need cool dry temperature. Chill winter is essential but summer heat is also required. The temperature should not drop below 30°F and shouldn’t go up above 65 °F. Only high altitudes can satisfy this need. 

VARIETIES: Different varieties of peaches are available all round year. Like Queencrest, Elegant Lady or clingstone to name a few. Fresh varieties are sold in the market while clingstone is mostly sold as canned food. Can label with "packed in its own juice" and "no added sugar" are healthier.

STORING: It’s best to eat when ripe. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Or in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days to get ripen. Ripe peaches taste best when eaten at room temperature. So it should be taken out of the refrigerator one hour before eating. It can either be cooked or eaten raw in fruit salads.

NUTRITIONAL QUALITIES: It’s an excellent source of Vitamin A, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B-6, Calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, copper and Potassium.

One raw medium peach (147 grams) also has-

· 50 calories

· 0.5 grams of fat 

· 15 grams of carbohydrate

· 13 grams of sugar 

· 2 grams of fiber 

· 1 gram of protein

Sow Outdoors: Surface. Following the last frost. Spacing 4 to 24 inches (10 to 60 cm).

Sow Indoors: Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two to three weeks. Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 75°F (24°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in the last month of spring.

HEALTH BENEFIT: Peaches have the following benefits-

· They are good for skin.

· Good for diabetic patients. 

· Helps cure cancer specially Breast-Cancer.

· High fibre helps fight obesity. 

· Improves heart and eye health. 

· Reduces hair fall

· Stress & anxiety reliever

· Aids in Digestion

· Controls High Cholesterol & Blood Pressure

· Helps fight Anemia

· Cures bone diseases. Helps in strengthening bones and teeth.

· Has Anti-Aging properties

Caution: Peaches may cause allergy. Peach seeds are toxic in nature

   IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood area. Or use sprayer to spray the water like mist