Peaches in TCM
The peach (桃 (táo) ) originated in China and has been cultivated at least since 1000 B.C.E. Like the plum and the apricot, the peach is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), distinguished by its velvety skin.
It has special significance in Chinese culture that only adds to their appeal: The peach tree is considered to be the tree of life and peaches are symbols of immortality and unity. Many ancient Chinese writings (from novels to poetry) also prominently featured peaches, peach branches and blossoms – frequently as a protection against evil and misfortune. Illustrations oftentimes show elders or Buddha holding a peach.
Peaches traveled west via the silk roads to Persia, earning them the botanical name Prunus persica. In Persia, peaches were discovered by Alexander the Great, who mentions half a dozen types, and introduced them to the Greeks. By 50 to 20 B.C.E., Romans grew peaches and spread to the north and west of the European empire. They called the peach a 'Persian apple', and the name for peach in numerous languages derived from that. The Spaniards then brought peaches to South America and the French introduced them to Louisiana. Columbus brought trees to America on his 2nd and 3rd voyages.
To this day China remains the largest world producer of peaches, with Italy second. Peaches grown in China and Asian countries are generally sweeter and less acidic white varieties of peach. The sweetness is due to the “honey gene,” a dominant gene that is found in all Chinese peach varieties. Peaches are commonly eaten raw after being peeled. Europeans and Americans have typically cultivated the yellow-skin, yellow-flesh varieties, which have higher acid.
The Chinese medical texts cite that peaches enters the channels of the Stomach, Liver, and Small Intestine. Flavour is sweet and sour; hence, in TCM, is known for it ability to nourish the yin (body fluids, production of blood) as well as eliminate swelling by removing surplus water and internal waste products out of a body. It may help with lowering blood pressure and relieve constipation (in Chinese herbal medicine, the peach seed was commonly used as part of a formula for constipation or menstrual pain). Furthermore, peaches are considered warm in temperature, so it has special properties in circulating qi, blood, and dispersing cold.
Peaches are packed full of antioxidants with a good source of vitamins A, B and C. In Western nutrition, they are known to aid digestion, improve heart health, improve skin's ability to retain moisture, boost immunity, reduce blood sugar levels, and protect against certain toxins. Peach also contain the highest amount of potassium that is 1.5x higher than a watermelon (hence, good prevention of high blood pressure).
TIPS
Choose fruit that yield slightly to pressure: firmish fruit are fine but hard fruit should be avoided. The amount and depth of pink coverage on the skin varies and does not signify ripeness, but any sign of green reveals fruit that has been picked prematurely.
Scent strength is a very good indicator of the level of flavour.
You can ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for two to three days. Sliced, fresh peaches should be tossed in lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.
Ripe peaches freezes well for later use How To Freeze Peaches and Blueberries