Peach
Family Rosaceae
Prunus persica, the peach (P. persica 1), is a small deciduous tree with simple serrated leaves and usually small pink flowers (P. persica 2), closely resembling the almond. The fruit is a drupe with a velvety skin (P. persica 3), varying in size, colour and season of ripening. The skin of the fruit varies from greenish-white to golden yellow; the flesh may be greenish, white or yellow. The nectarine, Prunus persica var. nectarina (P. persica 4), is a smooth-skinned mutation.
Distribution
The peach is native to China and reached Europe in Roman times. Today peaches are grown commercially in the Mediterranean region, the US, South Africa, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Use
Varieties of peaches with the stone not adhering to the flesh, so called ‘free stone’ varieties, are highly appreciated as dessert fruits. Clingstones, peaches with a stone that adheres to the flesh, are mainly used for canning and for making jam and preserves.
The biggest producers are the US, Italy and France.