A Peachy Way to Eat Well
Peaches are a summertime favorite for many people. With their low fat and calorie content, peaches are a healthy snack option—if you skip the cream, cake, and sugar. A medium peach has only about 37 calories, less than 1 gram of fat, and contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and fiber. Peaches are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
The natural sweetness of peaches makes them a perfect ingredient in desserts that don’t require added sugar. They can also be grilled or broiled and served with lean meats or fish as part of a main dish. Peaches are versatile and flavorful, making them an ideal component of low-fat, low-calorie meals. Yellow peaches have a firmer flesh and sweet flavor, making them a great choice for baking or cooking. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch with a fragrant aroma. Avoid those with green undertones, as they are not fully ripe.
Peaches are a member of the rose family and originated in China. They have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Spanish explorers introduced peaches to the Americas in the 16th century, and they have been grown in the United States ever since. Today, California, South Carolina, and Georgia are among the top peach-producing states.
In addition to being a great source of nutrition, peaches may also contain beneficial plant compounds. Studies show that fruits with deep yellow and orange coloring, such as peaches, contain beta-carotene and other antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Because of their nutritional content, peaches are an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier.
When choosing peaches, look for fruit with a creamy to yellow background color. A red blush does not indicate ripeness. Avoid fruit with a greenish tinge, which means it was picked too early. Store ripe peaches in the refrigerator and use them within a few days. To ripen firm peaches, leave them at room temperature in a paper bag for a day or two.
Try this delicious recipe that highlights the sweet taste and wholesome goodness of peaches:
Georgian Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches
Directions:
Brown the pork chops in oil in a skillet. Remove the pork chops and set aside. Sauté the onion in the same skillet until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Return the pork chops to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the pork is cooked through. Makes four servings.
