Peach
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225853235
2008-07-15T18:28:32Z
Winchelsea
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/67.160.71.182|67.160.71.182]] to last version by 72.49.138.13 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
:''This article is about the tree. For other uses, see [[Peach (disambiguation)]].''
{{Taxobox
| name = Peach
| image = Vineyard peaches de.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Foliage and fruit
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Rosales]]
| familia = [[Rosaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Prunus]]''
| subgenus = ''Amygdalus''
| species = '''''P. persica'''''
| binomial = ''Prunus persica''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) [[August Batsch|Batsch]]
}}
{{nutritionalvalue
| name=Peaches (edible part)
| kJ=165
| protein=0.9 g
| fat=0.3 g
| carbs=9.5 g
| fibre=1.5 g
| sugars=8.4 g
| vitC_mg=6.6
| vitA_ug= 16
| potassium_mg= 190
| iron_mg= 0.25
| source_usda=1
| right=1 }}
The '''peach''' (''Prunus persica'') is a species of ''[[Prunus]]'' native to [[China]] that bears an edible juicy fruit also called a peach.
It is a [[deciduous]] [[tree]] growing to 5–10 m tall, belonging to the subfamily [[Prunoideae]] of the family [[Rosaceae]]. It is classified with the [[almond]] in the subgenus ''Amygdalus'' within the genus ''Prunus'', distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell.
The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[lanceolate]], 7–15 cm long and 2–3 cm broad. The [[flower]]s are produced in early spring before the leaves; they are solitary or paired, 2.5–3 cm diameter, pink, with five petals. The [[fruit]] is a [[drupe]], with a single large seed encased in hard wood (called the "stone" or "pit"), yellow or whitish flesh, a delicate aroma, and a skin that is either velvety ('''peaches''') or smooth ('''nectarines''') in different [[cultivar]]s. The flesh is very delicate and easily bruised in some [[cultivar]]s, but is fairly firm in some commercial [[cultivar]]s, especially when green. The seed is red-brown, oval shaped and 1.5-2 cm long. Peaches, along with [[cherry|cherries]], [[plum]]s and [[apricot]]s, are stone fruits ([[drupe]]s).
The scientific name ''persica'', along with the word "peach" itself and its cognates in many European languages, derives from an early European belief that peaches were native to [[Persian Empire|Persia]] (now [[Iran]]). The modern botanical consensus is that they originate in China, and were introduced to Persia and the [[Mediterranean region]] along the [[Silk Road]] before Christian times.<ref name=rhs>Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.</ref> Cultivated peaches are divided into "freestone" and "clingstone" cultivars, depending on whether the flesh sticks to the stone or not; both kinds can have either white or yellow flesh. Peaches with white flesh typically are very sweet with little [[acid]]ity, while yellow-fleshed peaches typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness, though this also varies greatly. Both colours often have some red on their skin. Low-acid white-fleshed peaches are the most popular kinds in [[China]], [[Japan]], and neighbouring [[Asia]]n countries, while [[Europe]]ans and [[North America]]ns have historically favoured the acidic, yellow-fleshed kinds.
==History of Peaches==
Although its botanical name, Prunus persica, suggests the peach is native to Persia, it actually originated in China where it has been cultivated since the early days of Chinese culture. Peaches were mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as the tenth century B.C and were a favored fruit of emperors.
Its English name derives from the Latin plural of persicum malum, meaning Persian apple. In Middle English, it melded into peche, much closer to what we call it today.
The Persians brought the peach from China and passed it on to the Romans. The peach was brought to America by Spanish explorers in the sixteenth century and eventually made it to England and France in the seventeenth century, where it was a popular albeit rare treat. In Queen Victoria's day, no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a fancy cotton napkin.
Various American Indian tribes are credited with migrating the peach tree across the United States, taking seeds along with them and planting as they roved the country.
Although Thomas Jefferson had peach trees at Monticello, United States farmers did not begin commercial production until the nineteenth century in Maryland, Delaware, Georgia and finally Virginia. Although the Southern states lead in commercial production of peaches, they are also produced in California, Michigan, and Colorado.
Today, peaches are the second largest commercial fruit crop in the States, second only to apples. Italy, China and Greece are major producers of peaches outside of the United States.
==Cultivation==
[[Image:Pfirsiche.jpg|left|thumb|Harvested peaches]]
Peach trees grow very well in a fairly limited range, since they have a [[chilling requirement]] that subtropical areas cannot satisfy, and they are not very cold-hardy. The trees themselves can usually tolerate temperatures to around −26 °C to −30 °C, although the following season's flower buds are usually killed at these temperatures, leading to no crop that summer. Flower bud kill begins to occur at temperatures between −15 °C and −25 °C depending on the [[cultivar]] (some are more cold-tolerant than others) and the timing of the cold, with the buds becoming less cold tolerant in late winter.<ref>Szalay, L., Papp, J., & Szaóbo, Z. (2000). Evaluation of frost tolerance of peach varieties in artificial freezing tests. In: Geibel, M., Fischer, M., & Fischer, C. (eds.). Eucarpia symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics. ''Acta Horticulturae'' 538. [http://www.actahort.org/books/538/538_71.htm Abstract.]</ref> Certain cultivars are more tender and others can tolerate a few degrees more cold. In addition, a lot of summer heat is required to mature the crop, with mean temperatures of the hottest month between 20 °C and 30 °C. Another problematic issue in many peach-growing areas is spring frost. The trees tend to flower fairly early in spring. The flowers can often be damaged or killed by freezes; typically, if temperatures drop below about −4 °C, most flowers will be killed. However, if the flowers are not fully open, they can tolerate a couple of degrees colder.
[[Image:2005peach and nectarine.PNG|thumb|Peach and nectarine output in 2005]]
Important historical peach-producing areas are [[China]] and [[Iran]], [[France]], and the [[Mediterranean]] countries like [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and [[Greece]]. More recently, the [[United States]] (where the three largest producing states are [[California]], [[South Carolina]]<ref>Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture: [http://www.ag.fvsu.edu/publicat/commoditysheets/fvsu001.htm Peaches]</ref>, and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]<ref>Georgia Peach: [http://www.american.edu/TED/georgiapeach.htm Georgia Peach Study]</ref>), [[Canada]] (southern [[Ontario]] and [[British Columbia]]), and [[Australia]] (the [[Riverland]] region) have also become important. [[Oceanic climate]] areas like the [[Pacific Northwest]] and coastline of North Western [[Europe]] are generally not satisfactory for peach growing due to inadequate summer heat, though they are sometimes grown trained against south-facing walls to catch extra heat from the sun. Trees grown in a sheltered and south-facing position in the southeast of England are capable of producing both flowers and a large crop of fruit. Peach trees are the second most commonly cultivated fruit trees in the world after apple trees{{Fact|date=September 2007}}.
===Nectarines===
[[Image:Nectarines summer 2006.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Nectarine]]
The nectarine is a [[cultivar group]] of peach that has a smooth, fuzzless skin. Though fuzzy peaches and nectarines are commercially regarded as different fruits, with nectarines often erroneously believed to be a crossbreed between peaches and [[plum]]s, or a "peach with a plum skin", they belong to the same species as peaches. Several genetic studies have concluded in fact that nectarines are created due to a [[recessive gene]], whereas a fuzzy peach skin is [[dominant gene|dominant]].<ref name=osu>Oregon State University: [http://food.oregonstate.edu/faq/uffva/nectarine2.html peaches and nectarines]</ref> Nectarines have arisen many times from peach trees, often as [[bud sport]]s.
As with peaches, nectarines can be white or yellow, and clingstone or freestone. On average, nectarines are slightly smaller and sweeter than peaches, but with much overlap.<ref name=osu/> The lack of skin fuzz can make nectarine skins appear more reddish than those of peaches, contributing to the fruit's plum-like appearance. The lack of down on the skin also means their skin is more easily bruised than peaches.
The nectarine was created by Korean immigrant Kim Hyung-soon of the Kim Brothers Company, a fruit wholesaler originally based in the San Joaquin valley in California in the early 1900's.
===Diseases===
{{Main|List of peach and nectarine diseases}}
The trees are prone to a disease called [[leaf curl]], which usually does not directly affect the fruit but does reduce the crop yield by partially defoliating the tree. The fruit is very susceptible to [[brown rot]].
===Planting===
[[Image:Nectarine Fruit Development.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The development sequence of a nectarine over a 7½ month period, from bud formation in early winter to fruit ripening in midsummer (see [[:Image:Nectarine Fruit Development.jpg|image page]] for further information)]]
Most peach trees sold by nurseries are named cultivars [[grafting|grafted]] onto a suitable rootstock. It is also possible to grow a tree from either a peach or nectarine seed, but the fruit quality of the resulting tree will be very unpredictable.
Peaches should be located in full sun, and with good air flow. This allows cold air to flow away on frosty nights and keeps the area cool in summer. Peaches are best planted in early winter, as this allows time for the roots to establish and be able to sustain the new spring growth. When planting in rows, plant north-south.
;Watering
For optimum growth, peach trees require a constant supply of water. This should be increased shortly before the harvest. The best tasting fruit is produced when the peach is watered throughout the season. [[Drip irrigation]] is ideal, at least one dripper per tree. Although it is better to use multiple drippers around the tree, this is not necessary. A quarter of the root being watered is sufficient.
;Fertilising
Peaches have a high nutrient requirement, needing more [[nitrogen]] than most other fruit trees. An NPK [[fertiliser]] can be applied regularly, and an additional mulch of poultry manure in autumn soon after the harvest will benefit the tree. If the leaves of the peach are yellow or small, the tree needs more nitrogen. [[Blood meal]] and [[bone meal]], 3–5 kg per mature tree, or calcium ammonium nitrate, 0.5–1 kg, are suitable fertilisers. This also applies if the tree is putting forth little growth.
;Tips for good fruit
If the full amount of peaches is left, they will be under-sized and lacking in sugar and flavour. In dry conditions, extra watering is important. The fruit should be thinned when they have reached 2 cm in diameter, usually about 2 months after flowering. Fresh fruit are best consumed on the day of picking, and do not keep well. They are best eaten when the fruit is slightly soft, having aroma, and heated by the sun.
==Peaches in Asian tradition==
[[Image:PrunusVarCompressa.jpg|thumb|160px|Pan Tao, the Chinese flat peach. Also called ''Paraguaya'' (Paraguayan).]]
[[Image:Momohatozu.jpg|thumb|160px|A Chinese Song Dynasty painting of a bird and peach blossom, by Song Emperor [[Emperor Huizong of Song|Huizong]], 11th century.]]
Peaches are known in China, Japan, Korea, Laos, and Vietnam not only as a popular fruit but for the many folktales and traditions associated with it. [[Momotaro]], one of Japan's most noble and semi-historical heroes, was born from within an enormous peach floating down a stream. Momotaro or "Peach Boy" went on to fight evil [[Oni (Japanese folklore)|oni]] and face many adventures. Peach flowers are admired by the Japanese but not as much as the [[sakura]] (cherry).
In China, the peach was said to be consumed by the immortals due to its mystic virtue of conferring longevity on all who ate them. The divinity Yu Huang, also called the [[Jade Emperor]], and his mother called [[Xi Wangmu]] also known as Queen Mother of the West, ensured the gods' everlasting existence by feeding them the peaches of immortality. The immortals residing in the palace of Xi Wangmu were said to celebrate an extravagant banquet called the ''Pantao Hui'' or "The Feast of Peaches". The immortals waited six thousand years before gathering for this magnificent feast; the peach tree put forth leaves once every thousand years and it required another three thousand years for the fruit to ripen. Ivory statues depicting Xi Wangmu's attendants often held three peaches.
The peach often plays an important part in Chinese tradition and is symbolic of long life. One example is in the peach-gathering story of [[Zhang Daoling]], who many say is the true founder of [[Taoism]]. [[Elder Zhang Guo]], one of the Chinese [[Eight Immortals]], is often depicted carrying a Peach of Immortality. The peach blossoms are also highly prized in Chinese culture, ranked slightly lower than ''[[ume|mei]]'' blossom.
It was in an orchard of flowering peach trees that [[Liu Bei]], [[Guan Yu]], and [[Zhang Fei]] took an oath of brotherhood in the opening chapter of the classic Chinese novel ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]''.
Due to its delicious taste and soft texture, in ancient China "peach" was also a slang word for "young bride", and it has remained in many cultures as a way to define young women (as in English, with ''peachy'' or ''peachy keen''). {{Fact|date=May 2008}}
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Image:Peach flowers.jpg|Peach flower
Image:Flavorcrest peaches.jpg|Flavorcrest peaches
Image:Autumn Red peaches.jpg|Autumn Red peaches
Image:Peach dessert.jpg|A peach dessert
Image:Peach1web.jpg|Peach (cultivar 'Berry') - watercolour 1895
Image:PeachesInSyrup.jpg|Peaches in syrup
Image:Peach_lobotomy.jpg| A sliced peach
Image:Durazno_2310.JPG
</gallery>
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons|Prunus persica}}
*Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
*[http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze/peach.html National Center for Home Food Preservation - Freezing Peaches]
*[http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/prpe3.htm ''Prunus persica'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
[[Category:Prunus]]
[[Category:Fruit]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of China]]
[[Category:Native crops of China]]
[[an:Presiquera]]
[[zh-min-nan:Thô-á]]
[[bg:Праскова]]
[[ca:Presseguer]]
[[cs:Broskev]]
[[da:Fersken]]
[[de:Pfirsich]]
[[el:Ροδακινιά]]
[[es:Prunus persica]]
[[eo:Persiko]]
[[fa:هلو]]
[[fr:Pêche (fruit)]]
[[fur:Pierçolâr]]
[[gl:Pexego]]
[[zh-classical:桃]]
[[ko:복숭아]]
[[hsb:Brěškowc]]
[[id:Persik]]
[[it:Prunus persica]]
[[he:אפרסק]]
[[ht:Pèch (fwi)]]
[[la:Prunus persica]]
[[lb:Piisch (Uebst)]]
[[lt:Persikas]]
[[hu:Őszibarack]]
[[nl:Perzik]]
[[cr:Min kamilauat]]
[[ja:モモ]]
[[no:Fersken]]
[[nn:Fersken]]
[[pl:Brzoskwinia]]
[[pt:Pessegueiro]]
[[qu:Lurasnu]]
[[ru:Персик]]
[[simple:Peach]]
[[sr:Бресква]]
[[fi:Persikka]]
[[sv:Persika]]
[[th:ลูกท้อ]]
[[vi:Đào (cây)]]
[[to:Piisi]]
[[tr:Şeftali]]
[[uk:Персик]]
[[vec:Prunus persica]]
[[wa:Pexhî]]
[[zh:桃]]