*Peaches are the edile juicy fruits of the tree, Prunus persica, native to China.

*They have a thin delicate skin that is pinkinsh with a red hue on one side, and a whitish or yellowish flesh and a single inedible stone or pit in the centre.

*The taste varies from sweet to slightly acidic. White flesh varieties are sweeter than the yellow flesh varieties.

*Dried peaches are peeled, stoned peaches, then sliced or halved and dried.

*Buying and storage: Select good quality dried peaches, unsulphured if possible. Store in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag at room temperature and they will keep well for several weeks.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, dried or dehydrated peaches are raw.
*No, because sometimes dried or dehydrated peaches at the supermarkets are sulphured. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Dried peaches are a healthy snack low in fats and choleaterol and hihg in carbohydrates, fiber and useful minerals.

2. They are low in sodium and have good amounts of potassium. This helps to maintain the blood pressure and reduces water retention. Potassium is also important for active muscles and nerves.

3. Very good source of iron, which helps in respiration at the cellular level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.

4. Good source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.

5. Good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses.

6. Good source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.

7. Very good source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene. They enhance the eyesight, fight against acne, and result in smooth radiant skin. Beta-carotene is also a natural anti-oxidant.

8. Moderate source (fresh ones are good sources) of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, and prevents bruising of the skin.

8. Vitamin C and copper together act as natural antioxidants, which scavenge the free radicals that oxidize fats, preserves the integrity of cell membranes and protects our body by reducing the risk of inflammatory, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.

9. Good source of B-group vitamins like riboflavin and niacin that are essential to enhance the energy production from the foods and for various enzymatic reactions in the body.

10. Very good source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, maintains the blood glucose and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.

11. High dietary fiber creates a sense of fullness in the stomach, thus it also aids weight loss.

12. Fiber rich pears also help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, thus promoting cardiovascular health.