Peaches
Peaches were first cultivated in China 5,000 years ago, and even in ancient times dozens of hybrids and varities were created. According to Chinese mythology, the gods had a peach orchard from which the elixir of immortality was made. Ancient Chinese artwork going back as far as the 10th century B.C. shows the peach as a symbol of longevity, female sexuality, purity and truth. It is the “yin.” A peach with a leaf attached symbolizes the union of the heart and tongue, hence truth.
The Chinese word “Tao” means “peach.”
Peaches and objects decorated with peach motifs were considerded prized gifts. Travelers along caravan routes carried the peach seed to Persia, from which they were exported to Greece around 400 BCE. Around 300 BCE, the Greek philosopher Theophrastus, a botanist and student of Aristotle, gave the peach it’s current name. Not realizing the Chinese origin, he thought they were from Persia and called them “Persikon malon,” -“the Persian apple”- which over time became pesca and then peach.
Peaches were used by ancient Egyptians as offerings to the God of Tranquility. In the first century the fruit is mentioned by Romans who wrote that they imported the fruit from Persia. The Romans, of course, associated the peach with Venus. Sometime around the year 1250 AD, the German philosopher, scientist, alchemist and monk Albertus Magnus, believed that peaches were an aphrodisiac with magical properties.
Peaches came to the new world with explorers of the 16th-17th centuries, with the Portuguese introducing it to South America and Spaniards to the northern Florida coast of North America. Native Americans and settlers distributed the peach across North America into southern Canada. By the 1700s missionaries had established peaches in California.
The seeds, bark, and leaves contain low levels of cyanide which are considered theraputic, particularly for cancer (tumor) treatment, and has been used for this purpose since at least 25 BC. It is said to be "one of the stronger blood moving herbs", and therefore has use in encouraging menstruation in females with delayed menses. It also relieves bladder inflammation and urinary tract problems; functions as a mild laxative; has expectorant activity for the lungs, nose and throat; relieves chest pain and spasms. Bark and root extracts contain phloretin, which has antibiotic activity on bacteria. Southern Native American nations applied a poultice of ground peach and grape leaves to skin inflamations and boils, changing the bandage several times a day until healed. Infact, peach leaves appear in many folk remedies all over the world for a variety of ailments.
A surprising fact to note is that a medium peach packs a powerful dose of vitamin A to combat the effects of aging. Further benefits of a medium peach include B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, fiber, potassium, and a little zinc. Their beta carotene also helps build a strong immune system to prevent damage from free radicals, and to avert many skin diseases. Beta carotene is a provitamin that the body converts into vitamin A , “the anti-infective vitamin.”
Peach trees are a member of the rose family, and the offering of peach blossoms is not unlike giving roses.
According to the Language of Flowsers, the peach blossom = "Longevity; I am your captive."
Today, peaches are second only to apples in the US.
significant nutritional content:
vitamins A, C, niacin, iron, potassium, B2, phosphorus, B1, calcium, beta carotene, fiber, zinc |
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FRUITS
Apples
Bananas
Coconut
Mango
Oranges
Peaches
Strawberries
VEGETABLES
Beets
Carrots
Celery
Cucumber
Garlic
Ginger
Parsley
Spinach
Spirulina
Wheatgrass |
