Peaches are not just a sweet summer snack, they are a whole vibe packed with surprising health benefits and a rich backstory. This article, first published on Health For Mzansi, explores their health benefits, the science behind their sweetness, and the farming practices that ensure the perfect peach reaches your table.
Nthabeleng Pebana, a crop science specialist, highlights peaches’ rich nutrient profile, emphasising their abundance of antioxidants like polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C.
She notes, “These compounds help neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.”
Plus, she breaks down how sunlight, temperature, and even the plant’s DNA influence its nutrient content.
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Growing peaches
Let’s talk sweetness. Different peach varieties hit differently because of their sugar makeup.
“Some varieties have higher fructose content, contributing to a sweeter taste, while others may have a more balanced ratio of glucose and fructose, offering a milder sweetness,” says Pebana.
This diversity not only affects taste but also has implications for individuals managing blood sugar levels.
On the farming side, Mokgomotsi Morodi, an agronomist from Limpopo, shares what it takes to grow these gems.
“Peaches are usually not tough; as long as they receive the required nutrients and temperature, it only takes about three years to produce fruit,” he says.
Morodi underscores the importance of addressing diseases like peach scab and canker, which can harm trees if not managed with fungicides and bactericides.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Vateka Halile.
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