Originating from China, the peach has traveled across Asia, the Middle East, and then Europe, where it has been cultivated since the Middle Ages. There are three main families of peaches: white peaches with delicate and flavorful flesh, delicious in salads and sorbets; yellow peaches, sweeter and suitable for making compotes; and vine peaches, smaller in size and sometimes flattened, with purple-colored flesh that exudes unique aromas. In France, peach season starts in June and ends in September. Fruit maturity varies due to meteorological conditions, but the most flavorful fruits, picked at maturity, are available between July and August.
Nutritional Information
Peach is a refreshing, sweet, and light summer fruit that provides only 40 kcal per 100g. Rich in vitamins and minerals (vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium), peach is ideal as a snack at any time of the day or after physical activity. Like with other fruits and vegetables, the yellow color of yellow peaches signals the presence of antioxidant substances such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Large amounts of these substances are found in the fruit's skin; unfortunately, unless you find organic fruits or pick them from your own garden, it is not recommended to consume peach skin due to the various phytosanitary treatments these fruits undergo. Furthermore, the skin and/or raw flesh of the peach can trigger oral allergy, as with other fruits from the Rosaceae family (plums, cherries, strawberries, apples, apricots, almonds, etc.). For toddlers, it's recommended to introduce the fruit gradually, starting with compote and then raw, to ensure it is well tolerated and assimilated.
How to Store and Enjoy Peaches
Peaches can be stored for a few days after purchase in a cool, dry place (not in the refrigerator), ideally choosing ripe fruits that are slightly soft to the touch. Overripe fruits are perfect for making compotes and jams. Consumed alone or in fruit salads, peaches are delicious plain or enhanced with cinnamon, vanilla, or mint. They can be used in cooking for sweet-savory dishes (such as pan-roasted yellow peaches with salmon or poultry, or vine peaches served with prosciutto, for example). Like all fruits, peaches are great for pies, crumbles, and other family pastries. Lastly, as the queen of summer, peaches are perfect for smoothies, cocktails, chilled soups, sangrias, and are extremely delicate in sorbets (white peaches). Enjoy them while the season lasts!