Peaches, those juicy orbs of sweet ambrosia, often leave us pondering a fruity riddle: Are they part of the citrus family? After all, they seem to share some traits in common. Let’s peel back the layers of this question to provide an answer.
Are Peaches Citrus Fruits?
Peaches and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons share a common trait – some level of acidity, which leads people to believe that peaches may be citrus fruits (the same happens with mangos, as we saw in a previous post).
However, peaches are not citrus fruits. Peaches belong to the genus Prunus, which includes stone fruits like apricots, cherries, plums, and almonds. They are characterized by their fleshy exterior and a single large pit or stone inside.
Citrus fruits, on the other hand, belong to the genus Citrus and include fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Citrus fruits are known for their thick rind and segmented interior, which is filled with juicy, acidic sacs.
Peaches Have Vitamin C, Though
Vitamin C is another point in common between peaches and citrus fruits.
However, although peaches do contain vitamin C, the don’t pack the same punch as citrus fruits. For example, a 100-gram portion of peaches contains 6.6mg of vitamin C (equal to 7% of DV), while a portion of the same size of oranges provides a whooping 53.2mg of vitamin C (or 59% of DV!)
Nutrient Content of Peaches
In addition to vitamin C, peaches also contain some vitamin A, which is vital for healthy vision and the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.
Peaches also offer a modest amount of potassium, necessary for maintaining electrolyte balance, muscle function, and nerve signaling. There are also smaller amounts of other minerals like magnesium and copper.
Also, peaches contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel health, and contributes to satiety, potentially helping with weight management.
Wrapping It Up
In a nutshell, peaches might share a few sweet notes with citrus fruits, but they’re marching to the beat of their own fruity drum. So, when you sink your teeth into a peach, relish in its unique sweetness, knowing it’s not citrus – it’s just peachy in its own, well, peachy way.
Chef Gourmet: We Know Good Food
At Chef Gourmet, we use only fresh ingredients to create delicious dishes inspired by culinary traditions from around the world.
We are located in Ontario, California, with deliveries available for the Greater Los Angeles Area. Get in touch by phone (1-888-536-5269), email (info@6v2.b95.mytemp.website.com), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
