Van-Whole Produce

Peach belongs to the Rosaceae family, in the same family as apricot and nectarine and in the same cultivar group of the peach; it is cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. Peach was native to China; then it was spread through Asia, Mediterranean countries, and Europe; and finally introduced to America by the Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Peach tree cannot tolerate severe cold, but it needs a certain level of winter chilling to induce their growth after the annual dormant period. The peach develops from a single ovary in the flower that ripens into a fleshy and juicy exterior makes up the edible part of the fruit; and its hard interior is called the “stone” or “pit”. The fruit is usually round, but there is a specific type which is called the “flat peach” or “donut peach”; which is flattened with a depression in the middle which resemblance a donut hole. The peach skin is fuzzy, and the color is usually in golden yellow with blushes of red. Its soft and tender flesh can be white or yellow, and clingstone or freestone. In freestone types, the flesh separates from the pit easily, while clingstone types cling to the pit. Many of the white fleshed varieties are sub-acidic, which means they are lower in acidity and sweeter in taste in comparison to the yellow fleshed varieties. Yellow fleshed varieties are pink tinged around the pit, with a distinct aroma and a more pronounced flavour. In Canada, peach is at its peak season from May to late September; they are grown locally or imported from regions such as Washington or California. In BC, it is grown in South Okanagan, Similkameen and Creston Valleys; and peach product in BC along accounts for 20% of the Canadian production. The major peach varieties that are grown in BC are “Red Haven”, “Early Red Haven” and “Cresthaven”.

Nutritional Facts

Peach is low in calories, and it is fat free. Peach contains 10 different vitamins, includes vitamin A, C, E and K; which will help in body anti-oxidation, vision maintenance, tissue building, and blood clotting capabilities. Peach also contains a good amount of potassium, which will help in maintaining a healthy blood pressure, prevention of kidney stones and bone loss. Also, the fiber content in peach is essential to a smooth and healthy digestion, prevention of constipation and cholesterol regulation.