Peach
The peach is a deciduous fruit tree species, *Prunus persica*, in the rose family, and the edible fruit it produces.
The peach is a deciduous fruit tree species, *Prunus persica*, in the rose family, and the edible fruit it produces. It is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its sweet, juicy fruit, and smooth-skinned forms are commonly called nectarines.
What it is
Peach trees are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with pink or white flowers and lance-shaped leaves. The fruit is a fleshy drupe with a hard central stone or pit, and the skin is usually fuzzy. Smooth-skinned varieties are known as nectarines.
Key details
Peaches are grown in warmer temperate climates and need winter chilling to fruit well. Thousands of varieties exist: freestone peaches have pits that separate easily from the flesh, while clingstone peaches have flesh that adheres to the pit. Yellow-fleshed varieties are noted as rich in vitamin A.
Why it matters
Peaches are eaten fresh and used in pies, cobblers, jams, and canned products. In Canada, they are cultivated in parts of southern Ontario and British Columbia, where the climate supports temperate fruit production.
In short
- Peach refers to both the tree species *Prunus persica* and its edible fruit.
- Smooth-skinned varieties are called nectarines.
- Peaches are drupes with a hard pit and usually fuzzy skin.
- Cultivated in temperate regions, including southern Canada.
Peaches are cultivated in parts of southern Canada, especially in Ontario and British Columbia, where the climate can support temperate fruit production.
Quick questions
What is a peach?
Are nectarines related to peaches?
Where did peaches originate?
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/peachSupports: Scientific name, family, cultivation, uses, origin, and peach/nectarine distinction.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PeachSupports: Species identification, genus, rose family placement, and general description.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peachSupports: Definition of peach as the tree and edible fruit, and fruit characteristics.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/peachSupports: Fruit description, skin, pit, and temperate-climate cultivation.
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/peach/353605Supports: Fruit shape, fuzzy skin, nectarines, uses, and major producing regions.