Peaches

PEACHES are readily available during the Summer months, when they are at their best. Peaches have a distinctive fuzzy skin and possess a stone in the centre. They have a sweet floral taste with a slight tanginess and are thought to have originated in China over 8,000 years ago.

Plums, apricots, cherries and almonds all belong to the same family as peaches. A characteristic of this family is the edible seeds inside the stone, in the centre of the outer layer of flesh.

Peaches are high in both insoluble and soluble dietary fibre. The insoluble fibre helps in moving the digested food along, thereby preventing constipation; whereas the soluble fibre feeds the good bacteria in the gut, helping to create a healthy environment in the intestines.

Peaches are high in vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant and can help to minimise the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Vitamin C can also help in the formation of collagen, which is essential for firmer skin.

Peaches are excellent in promoting the health of the heart because they contain dietary fibre, potassium, Vitamin C and choline – all needed for a healthy heart.

Here are some recipes to help you add more peaches to your diet.