August is officially National Peach Month! So how much do you know about those fuzzy sweet fruits?
Here are some facts:
Where did the peach come from?
It originated in China and has been cultivated at least since 1000 B.C.E.
How did peaches come to the U.S.?
The Spanish brought peaches to South America and the French introduced them to Louisiana. The English took them to their Jamestown and Massachusetts colonies. Columbus brought peach trees to America on his second and third voyages.
What are the nutrition benefits of a peach?
Peaches are low in calories (100 g just provide 39 calories), and contain no saturated fats. The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g peach fruit is 1814 TE (Trolex equivalents). Fresh peaches are a moderate source of antioxidant, vitamin-C. Vitamin-C has anti-oxidant effects and is required for connective tissue synthesis inside the human body. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps develop resistance against infectious agents, and help scavenges harmful free radicals
