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The best peaches are slightly soft or semi-firm, aromatic, and have attractive, velvety red and yellow skin.
Peaches originated in China and made their way West in classical times by way of Alexander the Great and the Romans. They eventually arrived in the Americas with the Spaniards during the 16th century. Chinese legend says that peaches bestow immortality. With its large central pit, the peach is related to the other stone fruits: apricot, almond, cherry, and plum.
Although numerous varieties of peaches are grown, they are often categorized according to the way the flesh of the fruit is attached to its pit. Clingstone peaches have flesh that clings firmly to the pit, while freestone peaches allow the pit to separate easily from the fruit. The most popular variety of peach is the Elberta (a freestone); it makes up about half of the peach harvest. Some of the newer varieties of peaches on the market today include a peach with creamy white-flesh, and a short, rather flattened variety called a Donut peach; both have excellent flavor.
You can slice, poach, candy, dry, cook, can, or freeze peaches. To peel peaches, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds, then plunge them into cold water until they are cool enough to handle; the skin will slip right off. Add them to yogurt, ice cream, fruit salads, tarts, or breakfast cereal. Peaches work well as the single fruit in cobblers, pies, turnovers, crepes, sorbets, soufflés, jams or jellies, marinades, and juiced. Spiced peaches make an excellent side dish with winter meals. Peaches can also be distilled in brandy and liqueurs.
Peach, 1 large (raw)
Calories: 67.5
Protein: 1.1g
Carbohydrate: 17.4g
Total Fat: 0.14g
Fiber: 3.1g
*Good source of: Vitamin C (10.3mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.
Health benefits and concerns
for fruit
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other fruit.
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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.