Xishan Peaches

Xishan Peaches

　　The branches, leaves, and fruit of the peach belong to the Rosaceae family and the genus Prunus. China boasts an extremely rich variety of peaches. According to statistics, there are over 1,000 varieties worldwide, with around 800 in China, and about 30 are used for commercial cultivation. Peaches are juicy, delicious, fragrant, brightly colored, and highly nutritious. Every 100 grams of flesh contains 7–15 grams of sugar, 0.2–0.9 grams of organic acids, 0.5–0.8 grams of protein, 0.1–0.5 grams of fat, 3–5 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.01–0.02 milligrams of vitamin B1, 0.2 milligrams of vitamin B2, and 1,180 micrograms of carotene.

Peach trees are medium-sized deciduous trees that do not grow very large. They are easy to cultivate and manage, and adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates. They can be grown in both southern and northern regions, as well as in mountainous and flat areas, by selecting suitable rootstocks and varieties. Various ornamental peach varieties, such as flowering peaches, weeping peaches, and dwarf peaches suitable for container planting, play an important role in greening cities and beautifying people's lives. The peach is native to China and has a cultivation history of over 4,000 years.

Peaches have a pleasant taste and emit a fragrance that can lift the mood. They are also relatively rich in nutrients and beneficial to health, contributing to longevity when consumed.

Peaches also have medicinal value. Sun Simiao, a pharmacologist of the Tang Dynasty, called the peach the “fruit of the lungs” and said, “Those with lung diseases should eat it.” In traditional Chinese medicine, the lungs are referred to as the “delicate organ,” which prefers moisture and dislikes dryness. Peaches are rich in colloidal substances that can absorb large amounts of water in the large intestine, helping to prevent constipation. The nutrients in peaches also benefit the skin. According to the *Daming Bencao* (Great Ming Herbal), drying peaches into peach preserves and consuming them regularly can have beautifying effects. However, peach preserves are very high in sugar, so it is better to soak them in hot water with a small amount of green tea or herbal tea, which not only improves the flavor but also reduces the sugar intake.

It is worth noting that fresh peaches are extremely perishable after being picked and should be consumed as soon as possible. Before eating, make sure to wash off the peach fuzz to avoid it prickling the skin, which may cause rashes, or being inhaled into the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, throat itching, and other symptoms.