Peaches are a characteristically fuzzy fruit native to northwest China. They are a member of the stone fruit family, meaning that they have one large middle seed, along with cherries, apricots, plums and nectarines.
The peach can have yellow or white flesh, which is sweeter and less acidic than its more traditional golden counterpart. There are two different varieties of peaches: freestone and clingstone, which refer to whether the flesh sticks to the inner seed or easily comes apart.
China is the largest producer of peaches, followed by Italy. Peaches are best from June to the end of August.
Some of the most popular peach dishes are peach cobbler pie, peach chutney and peach sorbet. "The world’s largest peach cobbler" is made every year in Georgia, which is known as the Peach State. "The Peach State": That would be the nickname for Georgia. That cobbler measures 11 feet by 5 feet.
Culinary Uses of Peach
Being a juicy, fleshy and sweet tasting fruit, peach is a highly preferred item in
pies,
cakes and various kind of
desserts. However, with new techniques and styles of cooking, savory peach recipes are gaining recognition. Peach dishes including
pork (also
see ),
chicken as well as seafood are quite popular in global cuisine. Peach is a favorite fruit of chefs to make
jams ( also
see ),
marmalades as well as P
each chutney ( also see
here,
here,
here ), P
each cobbler pie,
fresh Peach dumplings ( also
see ), P
each-spiced chicken,
Peach Melba. Peach is a well-liked fruit in making
sorbets ( also see
here,
here,
here and
here) and
fruit juices (also see
here,
here ). In various
cocktails also, peach slices or peach juice can be added. Like all fruits, Peach is also eaten raw with or without skin. Various
salads ( also see
here and
here ) as well as
puddings fondly use peaches as
garnish. Peach dishes made with cured meat and cheese,
filled Peaches are well-admired in most of the cuisines.
Peach ice creams (also
see ) and peach flavored cocktails had made their way in European cuisine after the emergence of peach fruit in 17th century. Peach recipes may use any form of peach such as dried, fresh or even frozen. Canned peaches also have varied uses in culinary world.
Selection and Storage
1. Fruit should look fresh and has fruity aroma.
2. While buying peaches, press the flesh gently, if it yields a bit than buy it. Never buy extra mushy or extra firm fruit.
3. Peaches with cuts and bruises should not be purchased.
4. Under ripe and hard green peaches are not recommended for buying.
5. Under ripe peaches should be kept in a paper bag along with an apple at room temperature.
6. Ripe peaches should be consumed as and when bought they can be stored in refrigerator for not more than five days.
7. Prepared and leftover peach dishes can also be placed in refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutritive Value of Peaches
Peaches are enriched with
Vitamin A and help in preventing cancer of glands having epithelial tissues. Water content in peaches is almost 80% and contains high dietary fiber. Regular consumption of peach dishes helps in maintaining bowel movement. Peach is a great antioxidant. Peach recipes are observed to be highly beneficial for the people suffering from several ailments, such as, high blood pressure, asthma, constipation and bronchitis.
A medium peach weighs 75 g and typically contains 30 Cal, 7 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of protein, 140 mg of potassium, and 8% of the daily value for vitamin C. Nectarines have a small amount more of vitamin C, provide double the vitamin A, and are a richer source of potassium than peaches.
Health benefits of Peach1. Peaches are the perfect snack
food for losing weight. A peach makes you feel full and keeps you from overeating. The bonus: one peach only contains about 35-50 calories and no fat!
2. Fight obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Peaches are rich in phytochemicals called phenols that act as antioxidants.
3. Keep the skin healthy. Vitamin A and C make peaches a great natural moisturizer; they’re often used in cosmetics. These vitamins can help regenerate skin tissue.
4 .Reduce hair loss with its positive effect on the scalp.
5 .A healthy stress-reliever that helps reduce anxiety. Peaches are often referred to as the ‘Fruit of Calmness’ in Hungary.
6. Helps prevent cancer with selenium — a mineral with antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage.
7. Peaches can
help remove worms from the intestines.
8. Have a diuretic effect which
helps cleanse your kidneys and bladder.
9. Peaches can
calm an upset stomach.
10. Those suffering from gout and rheumatism are recommended by dieticians to eat peaches because peaches
tend to have a diuretic and a light laxative effect.
11. Peaches are thought to be an
aphrodisiac.
12. Peach flowers have
sedative properties . A remedy for restlessness includes boiling peach flowers in water along with some honey.
13. Inhibit tumour growth activity. Peaches have
excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity according to research.
14. Chronic bronchitis, coughs and gastritis are relieved with the medicinal tea of the leaves and bark of peach trees.
15. Peach tea is
used as a kidney cleanser in China.Read More at
Wikipedia.
Recipe using Peach fruit see
Here,
Here and
Here.
