Today I would like to take you on a journey to an ancient civilization known for it dragons, paper lanterns, incredible manicured gardens and delightful festivals.

The year is 2000 B.C. and the civilization is the oldest continuous civilization in the world. Here we find the first writings and code of laws, the first made silk, the first use of paper, the first gunpowder, kites, paper money, printed books, fireworks, examples of poetry, painting, music and theater, were all an important way of life in ancient China.

It is to one of their ancient festivals that we travel. It is in the twilight of evening and the colorful paper lanterns are lit though out this ancient town. The full moon is on the horizon. And the incredible aroma of peach blossoms fills the air. This is where we find the origin of the most delightful fruit in the world, the fragrant dribble down you chin peach. It is here we will find written the ancient Chinese proverb “Eat a peach and live forever.” In China the peach tree is still revered as “The Tree of Life” and the Queen of fruits.
Cultivation of peaches began in China as early as 2000 BC. Because of the Silk Road, by 300 BC the Greeks and Persians were enjoying these juicy treats. The Greek philosopher Theophrastus thought the peach came from Persia named it the Persian apple. It reached Europe around the year 0. From Italy where the Romans referred to peaches as “The nectar of the Gods.” Peaches spread throughout Europe and to the Americas.

Then there is the Nectarine. Strange enough, the nectarine is never mentioned in descriptions from the time Before Christ. According to Wayne Sherman, a horticulturist at the University of Florida peaches and nectarines essentially have the same genes. A peach tree will produce peaches if it inherits the dominant, fuzz-producing gene. But it'll make nectarines if it gets the recessive, or hairless, version of the gene. This gene that produces a nectarine also produces a rounder shape; smaller size, more sugars, more acids, and more higher density. On peach trees sometimes you will find nectarines and on nectarine trees sometimes you will find peaches.

So why are peaches fuzzy? Some believe it is to give the fruit more resistance to insects and diseases. Another theory is that the fuzz protects peaches from sunburn and potential water loss. So did they develop from the nectarine? Or did the nectarine develop from the peach? We don't know.

Here is another question. Why do we not find canned nectarines, nectarine jams and nectars? Actually it's a bit of technical reason and a matter of demand! The mechanical processing has a tendency to ruin the texture of nectarines. The fruit bruises easily, leading to a poor appearance. Also, the supply of nectarines tends to be less bountiful than peaches, because nectarines are highly susceptible to brown rot.

What is the difference between white and yellow nectarines and peaches? White peaches and nectarines are often sweeter than their yellow counterparts. The reason these white varieties often taste sweeter is lower acid levels don't get in the way of sugars.

So from the tree of life we find that The Queen of Fruits has only about 46 calories in a medium size fruit. It has a fair amount of calcium which is unusual for a fruit and also contains iron. It packs a powerful 465 IU of vitamin A to combat the effects of aging. Further benefits include B vitamins, 3 mcg of folic acid, 5.7 mg of vitamin C, 4.35 mg of calcium, 1.4 grams of fiber, 171 mg of potassium, and a little zinc. Their beta carotene also helps build a strong immune system to prevent damage from free radicals, and to avert many skin diseases. Only the apricot has more Vitamin A. They are also ideal for someone on a low sodium diet…people with certain heart or kidney conditions, nephritis, edema and the like.

So pick up a peach or nectarine, sit down split into perfect halves and share it with a friend. Smell the aroma, close your eyes and let your mind drift back 4000 years to ancient times filled with colorful lanterns, a full moon on the rise and the fragrance of peach blossoms in the wind. Then taste the wonderful dribble-down-your-chin sweet nectar of the Gods and enjoy the moment.