Peach
The peach is a deciduous fruit tree species, *Prunus persica*, in the rose family, and the edible fruit it produces.
The peach is a deciduous fruit tree species, *Prunus persica*, in the rose family, and the edible fruit it produces. It is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its sweet, juicy fruit, and smooth-skinned forms are commonly called nectarines. In Canada, peaches are cultivated in parts of southern Ontario and British Columbia.
Description
Peach trees are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with pink or white flowers and lance-shaped leaves. The fruit is a fleshy drupe with a pit, and the skin is usually fuzzy.
Cultivation
Peaches are grown in temperate regions of both hemispheres and are sensitive to severe cold. They require winter chilling to trigger spring growth and fruit production.
Uses
Peaches are eaten fresh and are also used in baked goods, preserves, and canned fruit products. Yellow-fleshed varieties are noted as being rich in vitamin A.
Varieties
Thousands of peach varieties have been developed. Freestone peaches have pits that separate easily from the flesh, while clingstone peaches have flesh that adheres to the pit.
Key facts
- Peach refers both to the tree species and to its edible fruit.
- The species is *Prunus persica*, in the rose family.
- Peaches have a hard central stone or pit and usually fuzzy skin.
- Smooth-skinned varieties are called nectarines.
- Peach trees are grown in warmer temperate climates and need winter chilling to fruit well.
Peaches are cultivated in parts of southern Canada, especially in Ontario and British Columbia, where the climate can support temperate fruit production.
Frequently asked questions
What is a peach?
Are nectarines related to peaches?
What type of fruit is a peach?
Where did peaches originate?
How are peaches commonly used?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/peachSupports: Scientific name, family, cultivation, uses, origin, and peach/nectarine distinction.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PeachSupports: Species identification, genus, rose family placement, and general description.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peachSupports: Definition of peach as the tree and edible fruit, and fruit characteristics.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/peachSupports: Fruit description, skin, pit, and temperate-climate cultivation.
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/peach/353605Supports: Fruit shape, fuzzy skin, nectarines, uses, and major producing regions.