A Brief History of Peaches
A Brief History of Peaches -
Peach Marshmallows and Alfajores by Split Bean Coffee
Peaches are a favorite of the Southern States, but they actually originated in Asia. Although the botanical name, Prunus persica, suggests that peaches are native to Persia; however, they originated in China where they have been cultivated since the early days of Chinese culture.
Peaches were mentioned in early Chinese writings as far back as the tenth century B.C and were a favored fruit of emperors. The ancient Chinese thought of the peach as a symbol of the female genitalia and recognized its yin qualities. A Chinese bride was referred to as a peach.
Its English name derives from the Latin plural of persicum malum, meaning Persian apple. In Middle English, it melded into peche, much closer to what we call it today.
The Persian traders brought the peach from China are responsible for spreading it to the Western World. Around 300 BCE the Greeks and Persians were already enjoying these juicy treats. In the first century AD the Romans were captivated by the peach and began cultivation.
The peach was brought to America by Spanish missionaries in the sixteenth century and eventually made it to England and France in the seventeenth century, where it was a popular albeit rare treat. In Victorian England, no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a fancy cotton napkin. Early peaches were propagated by seed, the easiest way to transport the peach plant. Budded trees became available in America around the time of the American Revolution. Various American Indian tribes are credited with migrating the peach tree across the United States, taking seeds along with them and planting as they roved the country.
Thomas Jefferson had peach trees at Monticello, but United States farmers did not begin commercial production until the nineteenth century in Maryland, Delaware, Georgia and finally Virginia. Although the Southern states lead in commercial production of peaches, they are also grown in California, Michigan, and Colorado.
Today, peaches are the second largest commercial fruit crop in the States, second only to apples. Other major producers of peaches outside the USA are Italy, China and Greece.
Although peaches are cooked, canned, dried, pureed, boiled, roasted, and made into jam, the best flavor and nutritional benefits are derived from enjoying them fresh and whole, fuzz and all. They make a great addition to salads and to your back-yard BBQs.
Split Bean Coffee's Alfajores La Misión are made using 100% natural peach preserves. Our delicious, hand made Alfajores can be enjoyed with a nice cup of coffee or tea. For and aventurous treat, top our alfajores with freshly whipped cream or whipped cream cheese.
Split Bean Coffee's Alfajores la Misión are made with 100% Natural Peach Preserve.
posted by Split Bean Coffee at 6:32 PM
