Yellow-fleshed peaches are typically acidic with a sweet taste

Tag : canned Yellow Peach
When most folks think about peaches, their first thought is ofGeorgia or perhaps South Carolina, but, in fact, the origin of thepeach is China. Ah, yes, it is the Chinese who were the first tounderstand and enjoy the tastiness, the goodness and theversatility of peaches. In China, the peach has mystical attributesand supposedly brings luck, abundance and protection. In China andJapan, brides often carry peach blossoms as a wedding bouquet.

Cultivated peaches are divided into "clingstones" and "freestones,"depending on whether the flesh sticks to the stone or not. Both canhave either white or yellow flesh.

Peaches were brought to the New World by Spanish explorers. Peachesgot their commercial start in the USA during the 19th century. TheCalifornia Gold Rush of 1848 and the words of Horace Greeley(1865), "Go west, young man, go west" brought the peach to thewest. A can of peaches during the Gold Rush was was $5. Californialeads all states in commercial peach production, followed by SouthCarolina and Georgia.

No matter the origin, there are no peaches quite as good as theones picked ripe and sold at a roadside stand. These are summermemories, but in the winter, canned peaches offer the opportunityto enjoy peaches with little loss of nutritional value.

Today, the Cumberland County Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab would like toshare some potentially mouth-watering recipes for peaches. Peachesare a great heart-healthy choice without adding frills, andsometimes enhances add spice and variety to your diet. In mostcases, these recipes can be done with fresh or canned peaches, and,as always, control your portions, use artificial sweeteners andenjoy what you eat. Enjoy a peach today!

Share your comments and suggestions with Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab atPO Box 14, Crossville, 38557-0014. Care for your heart and lungswith a proper diet and exercise program.

Peach Dumplings

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar

1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled

1 package frozen puff pastry dough, thawed but chilled

6 medium, ripe peaches [must be freestone]

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 egg beaten with 1 tsp. water

Preheat oven to 375