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Peach Facts

Peach Facts
Peach is deciduous plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is closely related to almonds, cherries and plums. Peach originate from China, but it can be found all around the world today. It has been part of human diet at least couple of thousand years. People cultivate peaches mainly because of their aromatic fruit. Some varieties are cultivated only for decorative purposes. Peach tree usually grows in temperate climate because it requires low temperature during the winter for successful development of flowers. This plant also requires fertilizers rich in nitrogen and constant water supply during the growth. Peaches are often targeted by insects or insect larvae which affect amount and quality of produced fruit.
Interesting Peach Facts:
Size of peach tree depends on the variety. It can reach 13 to 33 feet in height.
Peach develops green, elongated leaves. They are lanceolate in shape and have pinnate veins.
Flowers appear on the tree before leaves. They consist of 5 pink petals. Flowers are located individually or grouped in pairs. They contain both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs.
Honeybees are main pollinators of flowers.
Fruit of peach is botanically known as drupe (stone fruit). It consists of white or yellow flesh that is covered with yellowish-red velvety skin. Varieties of peach with white flesh are sweeter compared to the peaches that have yellow flesh.
Seed is large, oval in shape and protected with woody husk. Even though seed can be consumed, large doses are not recommended because it contains hydrocyanic acid which is poisonous.
All varieties of peaches can be divided in two groups: clingstone and freestone peaches. In a clingstone type, flesh is tightly attached to the stone. This type of peach is mainly used for canning. Flesh of freestone types can be easily removed from the stone. This type of peach is mainly sold as fresh fruit.
Nectarine is a type of peach that has smooth skin instead of velvety (which is typical for peaches).
Peach was known as “Persian apple” because ancient Romans believed that peach originates from Persia.
Peaches are rich source of vitamin C, A and E. They also contain high amount of potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. Peach of an average size contains only 37 calories.
People consume peaches raw or in the form of juices and various desserts.
Peaches are used in the cosmetic industry for the production of various lotions, creams and shampoos. Peaches are also used in the industry of perfumes.
Peach symbolizes immortality and unity in Chinese culture. Brides use flowers of peach to decorate their hairs during wedding ceremony in China.
China is the greatest manufacturer of peaches in the world.
First fruit will appear on the peach tree after 3 years. This plant usually lives around 12 years.


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