August is National Peach Month! There are over 700 varieties of peaches, and they date back as early as 79 A.D. where they are mentioned in literature. In 1865, the first peach orchard was established in Florida, and now peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in the United States. California produces more than 50% of the peaches in the United States and grows 175 different varieties.
Peach trees are native to China, and in ancient China, peaches were considered to be a symbol of long life and immortality. Peaches traveled west along the silk roads to Persia, where they were discovered by Alexander the Great, who introduced them to the Greeks. Spaniards brought peaches to South America and the French introduced them to the United States. Soon after, the first peach orchard was created.
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