Peaches
Types
Peaches orginated in China and symbolise immorality and unity in Chinese culture. There are many varieties of peaches grown and sold in Australia but all varieties are generally distinguished and sold as either white or yellow peaches. Peaches are sometimes distinguished between freestone and clingstone types. Clingstone refers to the flesh clinging to the stone. Freestone refers to varieties where the flesh easily slips away from the stone. Freestone varieties are generally good for cooking and caning because of the ease of stone removal. Clingstone are generally a better eating peach.
Selection, Storage and Availablity
Look for a good blush on unmarked skin. Select softer fruit for immediate eating or harder fruit to ripen at home ideally in the fridge. Peaches are available from November-April.
Using
Eat fresh, or poach or bake whole or halved. Use in a crumble, cobbler or pie. Halve, remove seed and sprinkle with amaretti or other biscuits a smidgen of butter and bake at 180C until soft eat with icecream for a very simple, delicious dessert.
Nutrition Information
Peaches are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. They are a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C.
