Content
- Original origin of the peach is in China
- Peach has been known in China for 4000 years
- From Persia to Central Europe
- Old cultivars from Germany
- Main growing areas today
- Tips & Tricks
Original origin of the peach is in China
The Latin name of the peach is "Prunus persica" - in English "Persian apple". For a long time it was believed that the juicy stone fruit came from Persia, today's Iran. But his original home is much further east.
Peach has been known in China for 4000 years
In southern China, the delicious stone fruit since 2019 BC. Cultured. From the analysis of archaeological excavations, it is known that the extraction of a culture peach from the wild varieties began about 6,000 years ago. In China, the peach is still considered a symbol of immortality today. The Daoist goddess Xiwangmu lived on the sacred Mount Kunlun, the seat of the gods, where, according to religious legends, three peach groves only bear fruit every few thousand years and give the gods their immortality.
From Persia to Central Europe
Only about 1000 years ago the peach reached Persia. From here, commercial strains brought the sweet fruits first to Greece and then to Central Europe. France was the first European country to grow the Chinese "Fruit of Immortality". Since the 19th century, the peach is also cultivated in Germany.
Old cultivars from Germany
Old, grown in Germany out peach varieties, are ideal for growing in their own garden. These fruits are used to the harsher climate and the higher rainfall.
Main growing areas today
Today, peaches are grown mainly in the warmer regions of the world, with the sweet fruits coming not only from China and Central Asia, but also from the US, Italy, France and Southeastern Europe. In Germany, the aromatic stone fruit is mainly cultivated in various wine-growing regions.
Tips & Tricks
The vineyard peach is one of the oldest peach varieties in Germany. This rarity is particularly aromatic, but less sweet. The variety is also known under the names Moselweinberg peach, red or white vineyard peach and vineyard peach.