Peaches
The Peach (Prunus persica) is a tree native to China that bears a juicy fruit of the same name. It is a small deciduous tree growing to 5–10 m tall. The leaves are lanceolate, 7–15 cm long and 2–3 cm broad. The flowers are produced in early spring before the leaves; they are solitary or paired, 2.5–3 cm diameter, pink, with five petals. The fruit is a drupe, with a single large seed encased in hard wood (called the "stone" or "pit"), yellow or whitish flesh, a delicate aroma, and a velvety skin. Peaches, along with cherries, plums and apricots, are stone fruits (drupes).

The scientific name persica derives from an early European belief that peaches were native to Persia (now Iran). The modern botanical consensus is that they originate in China, and were introduced to Persia and the Mediterranean region along the Silk Road in early historical times, probably by about 2000 BC (Huxley et al. 1992).

--- Wikipedia

California Peaches

Beginning in the late 1700s, Spanish missionaries from Mexico began to build the California Missions as they traveled north along the coast. In addition to Christianity, they also brought peaches, which they planted in their gardens. However, mission cultivation did not supply the general population. Most peaches were shipped into California from the eastern states. In 1849, the gold rush initiated a population boom within California. As a result, eastern supply could no longer satisfy demand for peaches. California peach production began. Numerous varieties flourished in California's Mediterranean-like climate and an important industry was born.

There are two types of peaches, Freestone and Clingstone, both descendents of the first wild peaches from China. The Freestone Peach, usually enjoyed fresh, is distinguished by the ease with which the fruit separates from the pit. Conversely, the fruit of the Clingstone Peach "clings" to the pit. Clingstone Peaches are therefore processed (the pit is removed) and preserved to ensure yearlong availability, convenience and nutrition. Both freestones and clingstones are produced in California, but Cling Peach farming has been exceptionally successful. In fact, California produced nearly 100% of the 2001 US Cling Peach crop.

In most cases, peaches are canned within 24 hours of delivery to the processing plant, which insures that the peaches maintain nutritional value and flavor

California's Central Valley climate provides an ideal setting for Cling Peach trees, which require a chilling season followed by warmer days combined with rich soil and adequate water to produce the most flavorful fruit

They contain vitamin C, an antioxidant, which boosts the immune system, promotes healing and builds strong connective tissue to stabilize bones Well-balanced diets, rich in fruits and vegetables, including California Cling Peaches, reduce the risk of many types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and even premature aging Sweet, juicy and ready to eat, canned California peaches are an all-American family favorite.

-Courtesy of Ca Cling Peach Board

California Nectarines

The nectarine is a Cultivar Group of peach that has a smooth, fuzzless skin. Though grocers treat fuzzy peaches and nectarines as different fruits, they belong to the same species. Nectarines have arisen many times from fuzzy peaches, often as bud sports. Nectarines can be white, yellow, clingstone, or freestone. Regular peach trees occasionally produce a few nectarines, and vice versa. Generally, yellow nectarines have the fullest flavor while white nectarines are the sweetest.