- The Latin name for the peach tree is Prunus persica. The word peach comes from "persica", which derives from the fact that the Romans believed peaches came from Persia. The Romans called peaches “Persian apples” (They are actually native to China). The genus name Prunus means plum. Peaches are related to Plums, Cherries, Apricots and Almonds.
- Because peaches and almonds are related, the inside of a peach stone tastes similar to almonds. Peach stones are sometimes used to make a type of Marzipan which is cheaper to produce, called persipan.
- Nectarines are basically peaches without the fuzz. While they are marketed separately, nectarines are essentially mutant peaches.
- Around 58% of the world's peaches and nectarines are produced in China. Spain, Italy, the United States and Greece are also peach growing nations.
- In China, the peach represents longevity and good luck. Chinese literature mentioned the fruit from the early 1st millennium BC. The gods are said to eat them in order to remain immortal.
- In Chinese medicine, peach kernels are used to treat allergies, inflammation and Blood disorders.
- A peach will continue to ripen after it is picked from the tree. Peaches and nectarines don't keep for long – they should be eaten or preserved within two weeks of picking. They are best stored at temperatures of 0 °C (32 °F) with high humidity.
- Fossils resembling modern day peaches have been found in Kunming, dating to 2.6 million years ago. The name Prunus kunmingensis has been assigned to these fossils, since scientists can't be sure they were exactly the same as the peaches we eat today.
- Peaches were taken to America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The first peach orchard in the Americas was established in Florida in 1565.
- Paintings found on the walls of houses in Pompeii and Herculaneum include depictions of peaches.
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