Peaches were originally from an area near the city of Xian, China. They were cultivated in China at least 3,000 years ago. Wild peaches, called "Maotao" or "Yietao", still grow in remote areas of China.

Peaches spread to Russia and Persia (present-day Iran) probably because Chinese traders dropped peach pits along their trade routes. Alexander the Great and his armies found the peaches in Persia and brought them to Greece.

Most Europeans assumed that peaches came from Persia. Throughout the next centuries, peaches were spread all over Europe. The Spanish brought peaches to America.

Today, the peach is grown in at least 64 countries worldwide. The U.S. produces about 20% of the world's peaches.

Peaches are good for you because they are a source of vitamins A and C and they are a good source of fiber especially with the peal.

Peaches are also a good source of potassium and contain some calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and folate.