Peach, interesting summer fruit

Rich in fiber, potassium and regenerates the skin

Despite its sweet taste, the peach is not as sugary as it seems, it mainly provides us with water and digestible sugars, although less than many other fruits. In addition to this, the peach provides us with and also with micronutrients such as potassium and carotenoids with provitamin A activity.

These last compounds have positive effects on the skin as one of the functions of the is the reproduction and maintenance of epithelial tissues, therefore their summer consumption is especially important since the skin is more exposed to all environmental factors.

How to take it

Its use par excellence is in the form of fresh fruit between meals or for dessert but it can also be use in fruit salads, smoothies or fruit and milk, along with yogurt, in salads, in ice creams, as part of them or as a side dish.

Although they can also be cooked in hot dishes, for example creating contrast with a red beef fillet or with game meat.

Peach allergy

It was first thought that the allergy caused by peaches was due to the fluff on its skin, which had an irritant effect. Later the allergy was related to the fact that the skin retained pollen particles that were the ones that caused the problem. Finally, it has been observed that it is the peach skin's own proteins that cause this allergy.

Who is it good for and who is not?

The peach is a summer fruit that as a general rule can go well with all kinds of people.

It is recommended for:

• Weight control: despite its sweet taste, the peach is not one of the fruits with the highest sugar content, which is why it is a perfect summer dessert in any case and especially for people who want to take care of their line.
• Potassium deficiency: fruits and vegetables are foods rich in this mineral and for this reason they are convenient in case of suffering low potassium levels, for example due to treatment with diuretics, after vomiting episodes, etc.
• the fiber content of the peach will contribute to achieving a sufficient intake that, on the other hand, is necessary for an adequate intestinal transit.

It is not suitable in case:

• Allergic to rosaceae or peach in particular: the peach is the fruit that triggers the most allergic reactions in Spain. People with an allergy to peaches should avoid its direct consumption and also the consumption of foods or preparations that contain it.
• Potassium restriction: in some cases, such as kidney disease, it is necessary to limit the potassium content of the diet. In this case, fruits in general and peaches in particular are going to have a low representation in the diet.

Buying and conservation advice

When acquiring them we must check that they are not damaged, with blows or "wounds" that have spoiled them. Its color, turgor and consistency, always depending on the variety, will show us its state of maturity and it is necessary that we value it to acquire specimens in the ideal ripening point that suits us based on the time it takes to consume them.

Once purchased, we can keep them at room temperature, always in a place as cool and dry as possible, to avoid rapid deterioration, or we can keep them in the refrigerator so that we delay their maturation and we can keep them for a longer time.

Remember that…

The peach is a very perishable fruit and it also oxidizes quickly once we peel and chop it, for this reason different ways have been devised to preserve it for longer, such as syrup. One trick to avoid getting dark right away is to sprinkle it with lemon juice.

The Recipe: Summer Salad with Peach and Cherry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• Pasta spirals
• Canons
• Black pitted olives
• Carrot
• Cooked sweet corn
• Peach
• Cherry Vinaigrette: Olive oil, white vinegar, cherries and honey.

preparation:

• Prepare the vinaigrette by mixing 3 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 6-8 pitted cherry cherries and 1 teaspoon of honey, crush everything and reserve. Boil the pasta spirals al dente and reserve them. Wash and condition the lamb's lettuce and carrot and make sticks with the latter. Cut the olives into slices. Peel the peach and cut it into fine pieces. Mix the lamb's lettuce, olives, corn, carrot and pasta spirals and serve in the bottom of the plate. Place the peach pieces on top of the mixture and dress with the cherry vinaigrette.

• Season: its best time is the summer months, from June to September.
• Benefits: not very sugary, rich in fiber, potassium and carotenoids.
• Ideal in: potassium replacement, control diets and weight loss and constipation.