Peach
Recently, when I came upon an abundance of peaches, I used them in several ways. The most memorable was a caramelised onion and peach pizza topped with a balsamic glaze.
– Astha, New Delhi
What is it?
Peaches are a sweet stone fruit, with a juicy flesh around a hard pit in the centre. The flesh can be yellow, white or red in colour. The skin of the fruit has a fuzzy, velvety texture and ranges in the colours of yellow, orange and pinkish-red. Peaches belong to the genus Prunus, and are botanically related to almonds, plums, and apricots. The fruits grow on small-to-medium-sized deciduous trees with long, pointed, dark green leaves. These trees are typically 15 feet in height. In spring, the trees bloom in pink or white flowers.
What other names does it have?
Botanical Name: Prunus persica
Regional Names: Aadu (Hindi), Pica (Bengali), Kulipperi Maram (Tamil), Alu (Gujarati)
When is it in season?
Where is it found?
In India, peach trees are concentrated in temperate and sub-tropical hilly regions and grown at elevations of 1,000 to 1,600 metres above sea level. Peach trees require deep soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sandy loamy soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8 is ideal. Temperatures between 13°C and 30°C are optimal for growth.
What is its history/cultural significance?
The domestication and cultivation of peaches dates back to the Neolithic period in China. The name persica comes from Persia, where the fruit was widely cultivated and from where it spread to Europe. Peaches first came to India during the Harappan period. The fruit gained popularity during the Mughal period, when it was prized for its sweetness. Today, peach cultivation significantly contributes to the economies of the Himalayan regions, supporting farming families.
How can you use it?
Peaches can be eaten raw with the skin intact and without the pit. The flesh can be added to smoothies, salads or yoghurt. Peaches can be used in a range of culinary applications including sweet and savoury dishes. They can be cooked down into jams or preserves, grilled as an accompaniment or baked into desserts.
What states can I find it in?
What parts of the plant are edible?
flesh, skin
Is it nutritious?
According to this research, peaches are rich in vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Peaches contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which help with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
How do you store it?
Unripe peaches must be stored at room temperature to allow the fruit to naturally ripen. Ripe peaches are best used immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week to slow down further ripening. Cut peaches can be frozen and stored in airtight freezer bags for 6-9 months.
TL Stories & Recipes:
Spiced Peach Preserve by Himalayan Haat
Other recipes:
Peach Halwa Recipe by Tarla Dalal
Peach Chutney Recipe by Manali Singh
‘Know Your Desi Ingredients’ is an ever-expanding repository of knowledge for ingredients that are native to the Indian subcontinent and adapted into the mainstream culinary narratives of people, places, and cultures across India. If you would like to share more information about the write-ups featured here, send us an email at connect@thelocavore.in with your inputs and any verified sources we should look into.