PEACHES

PEACHES

The peach comes from a deciduous tree of the rose family. The tree grows 15 to 25 feet high. It grows best in warmer, tropical to subtropical climates as it is susceptible to drought or frost.

PEACHES

The peach tree flowers inthe early spring before theleaves are visible.

PEACHES

Peaches are a stone fruit, meaning they had a singlelarge seed or pit surrounded by juicy flesh. Other common stone fruits are cherries, plums and apricots.

PEACHES

Peaches are classified as clingstoneor freestone, depending on how theflesh sticks to the seed or stone. Most clingstone varieties are canned, preserved, juiced or used in other processed products. Freestone peaches are generally sold fresh.

PEACHES

Peaches are in the yellow/orange & white/tan color groups. The yellowfleshed peach is more popular amongAmericans and Europeans, while thewhite-fleshed varieties are preferredin Asia.

PEACHES

One medium peach provides:

A good source of Vitamin C

And a source of Vitamin A.

PEACHES

A Slice of Peach HistoryThe peach tree originated in Western China about 4,000 years ago.

Alexander the Great introduced the peach to Greek and Roman society.

From the Mediterranean and North Africa, the peachtraveled north during the Middle Ages with the Moorsto the Iberian Peninsula.

PEACHES

A Slice of Peach History

Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought peaches to the Americas in the 1500’s.

Spanish missionaries and Russian immigrants brought peach seeds to California in the 18th century.

California’s commercial peach production began in 1849.

PEACHES

The United Statesis the world’s leading grower ofpeaches. Half ofthe US crop comesfrom California and the rest fromthe southern states.

PEACHES

Fun Fact

In World War II peach pits were used as filters in gas masks.

PEACHES

References on Peacheshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peachhttp://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/peach.htmlhttp://www.calclingpeach.com/html/nav/student.htmlhttp://www.harvestofthemonth.com/download.aspChildren’s LiteratureJames and the Giant Peach

By Ronald DahlEach Peach Pear Plum

By Janet and Allan AhlbergA Peck of Peaches: A Georgia Number Book

By Carol CranePeaches on the Beaches

By Brian P. ClearyGrowing Seasons

By Elsie SplearPeach Boy: A Japanese Legend

By Gail SakuraiTall and Tasty: Fruit Trees

By Meredith Sayles Hughes