PEACH

Sweet on the inside and outside.

ORIGIN / HISTORY

The peach tree (Prunus persica) belongs to the family Rosaceae, which originated in China and has been cultivated for more than 4000 years. The peach is a fruit that due to having a seed that is easily propagated was quickly cultivated around the world. The intentional process of combining several species created different varieties enabling for peach trees to adapt to the conditions of every region. Hence, it is cultivated in high tropical regions as well as areas where temperatures reach -30ºC (-22ºF). Peach trees are also used for decorating purposes, but when they are planted in vases they have a lower life expectancy. Due to its genetic diversity, the precise region where the peach originated is not known.

This fruit is thought to have come from China, but peaches in China’s south-east and north-east have very different characteristics. You can still find wild peach trees in North-East China. Since they belong to the same genus, it is easy to fertilise a peach and almond, which led many botanists to suggest that peaches may have derived from almonds. Recent studies have concluded that these species evolved separately. Peach seeds travelled through commercial routes to Persia, where they were given the name Prunus Persica. Pliny – Roman naturalist and philosopher – refers to the plantation of peach trees in Greece in 386 B.C.

NATIONAL AND WORLD PRODUCTION

World production

The peach is currently one of the most consumed types of fruit in the world with an estimated world production volume of approximately 15 million tons per year. Peach production has two major purposes: fresh consumption and the market of canned goods, where many of its nutritional benefits are preserved. China is the world’s leading peach producer with a production volume of 40% of the world production. Europe is responsible for 27% of the world production followed by the USA.

National production

The main peach producing regions are Ribatejo and the west (Ribatejo, Setúbal) and Beira Interior (Cova da Beira) with more than 65% of total production. It should also be mentioned that Cova da Beira's peaches have a Protected Geographical Indication.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Unlike what it may seem, from a nutritional point of view, it may be sweet but the peach does not have many calories with a lot of water and rich in fibres.

info per 100 ml

Energy	44kcal
Water	87,5g
Proteins	0,6g
Total fat	0,3g
Carbohydrates	8,1g
Dietary fiber	2,3g

FRUIT FROM THE ORCHARD

From flavour to knowledge, there is more fruit to meet and taste.

Pear

Strawberry

Mango

General Telephone	+351 214 243 500
Consumer Helpline	+351 800 207 264