1. Peaches are in Rosaceae Family

Peaches belong to the Rose or Rosaceae family and are closely related to cherries, almonds and plums. Peaches originated from China and today, they are found in all parts of the world. Peaches have formed part of people’s diet for thousands of years. They are mostly cultivated because they produce aromatic fruits. However, there are varieties of peaches that are cultivated for purposes of decorations.

2. Deciduous Plants

Peaches are deciduous plants that do well in temperate climates. Low temperatures are required during winter to enhance growth of flowers on peach trees. Peach trees also need sufficient water supply and fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen during growth. Insect larvae and insects target peaches often and have an effect on the quality and quantity of fruit that peach trees produce.

3. Peach Tree Sizes Vary

Peach tree sizes vary depending on the peach species. Generally, peach trees attain heights of between 13 and 33 feet. Peaches grow elongated green leaves that have a lanceolate shape and pinnate veins. Usually, peach trees produce fruit after 3 years and they have a lifespan of about 12 years.

4. Flowering

Peach trees tend to flower before their leaves develop. Their flowers have five pink petals and flowers develop either in pairs or in singles. Peach tree flowers have both the pistil, which is the female organ and the stamen, which is the male reproductive organ. The flowers are mainly pollinated by honeybees.

5. Drupe or Stone Fruit

The botanical term for peaches is drupe or stone fruit. Peaches have a yellow or white flesh that has a yellowish-red velvet covering. Peaches that have white flesh are considered to be tastier than peaches with yellow flesh. When ripe, peaches have an even creamy yellow or golden color.

6. Seeds from Peaches have Hydrocyanic Acid

Peaches have large seeds that are oval shaped and covered by woody husk. Though the seeds may be ingested, it is recommended not to consume large doses because the seeds contain a poisonous acid known as hydrocyanic.

7. Freestone and Clingstone Peaches

Peaches are classified into two broad varieties namely freestone and clingstone. Clingstone peaches have flesh that is attached to their stone and are commonly used in canning. The freestone peach variety separates from the stone easily and is commonly sold as fruit. On the other hand, the nectarine peach variety tends to have a smooth skin as opposed to velvet-like skin that is common on peaches.

8. The Persian Apple

Peaches are also referred to as ‘Persian Apples due to the ancient belief among Romans that they originated from Persia. They are rich in vitamins A, C and E and also contain high levels of magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and zinc. On average, a peach fruit has 37 calories only and people consume the fruit either in raw form, juice form or make it part of different forms of desert.

9. Peaches in Cosmetic Industry

Peaches are commonly used as ingredients in the cosmetic industry to produce various creams, lotions and shampoos. They are also used in the production of perfumes. Georgia is referred to as the peach state. Each year, the biggest peach cobbler in the world is made in this state measuring 11 by 5 feet.

10.Cultural Significance

Among the Chinese, peaches are a symbol of unity and immortality. In this culture, brides use peach tree flowers to decorate the hair during Chinese wedding ceremonies. China produces the highest amount of peaches in the entire world; Italy is the second highest producer of peaches in the world.