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Peach: A symbol of immortality and the «fruit of calm»

• Etymology and the «Persian apple»: The name «peach» comes from the Latin persicum, which literally means «Persian». The ancient Romans called it the «Persian apple», having first become acquainted with the fruit through Persia.
• An ancient path from China: The peach's homeland is Northern and Central China, where its cultivation centre formed more than 4000 years ago. In Chinese tradition the peach is considered a sacred symbol of longevity. Orchard trees live about 30 years, but in Tibet a wild tree aged 995 years has been found.
• Botanical kinship: The peach (Persika Mill) is a member of the rose family and the closest relative of cherry, plum and apricot. More than 5000 varieties of this crop have been created worldwide.
• The nectarine myth: The nectarine is not a hybrid of peach and plum. It is a peach variety with a natural mutation that deprived the fruit of its characteristic «fuzz». When crossed, in the first generation all fruits will be fuzzy, and only in the second will smooth fruits appear.
• The fruit of calm and a space diet: Because of its high magnesium content, the peach is called the «fruit of calm». Its high nutritional value made the peach the first fruit eaten on the Moon: the astronauts of the «Apollo-15» mission included the fruits in their diet.
• Global statistics and leaders: About 10 million tonnes of peaches are harvested annually. The largest producers are China, the USA and the Mediterranean countries. In the Southern hemisphere the leaders are Chile and Argentina.
• Industrial history: Until 2003, Greece was the main supplier of peach puree on the European market. After the frosts, the market reoriented towards suppliers from Chile and Argentina, who are today key partners.
• A living barometer (Rare fact): The peach tree is sensitive to pressure. Before rain, the stomata on its leaves close, and the aroma of the fruits becomes significantly more intense.