Peach (Prunus persica)

Peach is a deciduous tree fruit belonging to the stone fruit group, characterized by its soft, fuzzy skin and juicy flesh enclosing a hard lignified endocarp (stone). The fruit varies in size, color, and sweetness depending on cultivar, ranging from yellow to white flesh and from mildly acidic to intensely sweet flavor profiles. The skin pigmentation develops due to anthocyanins and carotenoids, which are influenced by sunlight exposure during fruit maturation. The flesh is rich in aromatic compounds, giving peaches their distinctive fragrance. Botanically, peaches are classified as drupes, meaning they develop from a single ovary with a hard pit. The tree itself grows up to 4–10 meters tall, with lance-shaped leaves and pink blossoms that appear before leaf emergence. Peach fruits have a climacteric ripening pattern, continuing to ripen after harvest due to ethylene production. This makes post-harvest handling critical to preserve quality. The high moisture content (~88%) gives peaches their refreshing texture but also limits shelf life, making them highly perishable and demanding careful storage and transport.

Peach cultivation originated in China over 8,000 years ago, where it was deeply embedded in culture, mythology, and medicine. Ancient Chinese literature symbolized peach as a sign of immortality and longevity. From China, peaches traveled westward through the Silk Road into Persia, which led to the mistaken belief that peaches originated there—hence the species name persica. Greek and Roman civilizations later adopted peach cultivation, spreading it across Europe.

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Rosales

Family: Rosaceae

Subfamily: Amygdaloideae

Genus: Prunus

Species: Prunus persica

Peaches are nutritionally valuable while being low in calories:

• Energy: ~39 kcal

• Water: ~88%

• Carbohydrates: 9.5 g

• Natural sugars: 8 g

• Dietary fiber: 1.5 g

• Vitamin C: 6.6 mg

• Vitamin A (β-carotene): 326 IU

• Potassium: 190 mg

• Polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, catechins

Regular peach consumption supports digestive health, improves skin elasticity, and strengthens immunity. The antioxidants help reduce inflammation and may lower cancer risk. The fruit’s low glycemic load makes it suitable for weight management. Its potassium content supports cardiovascular health, while vitamin A promotes vision and epithelial tissue maintenance.