It's that time of year again for peaches, those pink, juicy fruits that always make you want to take a bite. Recently, a debate has erupted online about how to eat peaches—'Should people in the south peel them, while those in the north bite right in?' Many netizens have shared their 'methods,' forming two opposing camps: the 'peelers' and the 'non-peelers.' So, do you need to peel a peach before eating it?
Experts say: Nectarines can be eaten unpeeled. People with allergies should peel them.
The debate over 'peeling peaches' has once again gone viral on Weibo, with it said that most people in the south peel them, while people in the north generally do not. The 'peelers' list reasons such as the peach fuzz being uncomfortable in the mouth and concerns about pesticide residues not being washed off. The 'non-peelers,' on the other hand, find peeling troublesome and believe that unpeeled peaches have a more authentic peach flavor. Experts say whether to peel a peach depends on the variety and personal habit. People allergic to the fruit's fuzz should peel it.
There are roughly three types of peaches on the market: soft peaches, which have a relatively high amount of fuzz that can feel a bit prickly to the touch; crisp peaches, which are greener in color and have less fuzz; and nectarines, whose skin is smooth and virtually hairless. Generally, those who don't like peeling can choose fuzzless nectarines. For fuzzy peaches like honey peaches, peeling is a better option. As long as the peaches are sold through proper channels, there should generally be no issue with pesticide residues, even if eaten unpeeled.
The benefits of eating peaches
1. Peaches are quite nutritious, containing calcium, phosphorus, protein, fat, sugar, iron, and other components. They are relatively high in iron and pectin, so eating peaches can help prevent anemia and constipation.
2. Peaches are a warm-natured fruit with rich nutrients and have a unique effect on treating lung diseases.
3. Peaches contain vitamins B and C, so eating them can supplement your vitamin intake. However, don't eat too many, and it's best to peel them to avoid potential preservatives on the skin.
Although peaches are good, there are some contraindications:
1. Unripe peaches should not be eaten, as they can cause bloating or skin sores. Even ripe peaches should not be eaten in excess, as too many can lead to 'internal heat.' Rotten peaches must not be consumed, and peaches should not be eaten with soft-shelled turtles.
2. Peaches are not for everyone. People who tend to have excessive internal heat or are prone to skin sores should not eat them. Because peaches are sweet and warm-natured, eating too many can generate heat. Li Shizhen once said: "Eating many raw peaches can cause bloating and sores, which is more harmful than beneficial." Therefore, eating peaches as a meal can easily lead to 'internal heat,' and in severe cases, can cause skin sores. This is especially true for those who tend to have excessive internal heat and are prone to skin sores.
3. It is best not to feed peaches to infants and young children. Because peaches contain large molecules that their underdeveloped digestive systems cannot easily process, which can easily cause allergic reactions.
4. Patients who are frequently ill or have very weak gastrointestinal function should not eat them, as it would increase the burden on the stomach.
5. The reasons that pregnant women and women during their menstrual period cannot eat peaches seem insufficient. Peach kernels have the effect of invigorating blood and resolving stasis, so pregnant women and women during their period should not eat them in large quantities. However, ripe fresh peaches do not have a significant blood-breaking effect, so eating a small amount should be fine.
Symptoms of a peach allergy:
If you have an allergic reaction to peaches, the initial symptoms may be mild, such as redness, peeling, or itching around the corners of the mouth. At this point, you should stop eating peaches and wash your face and hands.
If the symptoms are more severe, such as large red patches appearing on the lips, around the mouth, ears, and neck, or even slight swelling, you should take it seriously. In severe cases, it can even lead to diarrhea.
What to do if you have a peach allergy?
Steep some green tea with a little salt and use the warm tea to wash the affected area. Afterwards, pat it dry with a towel and apply Liu Yi San. If the allergic reaction is more severe, you can replace the Liu Yi San with Wuji Ointment. If there is swelling, you can apply some Bing Huang Fu Le Ointment. For mild symptoms, apply twice a day; for severe symptoms, three times a day. You can also take some heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines, such as honeysuckle and chlorpheniramine. If the skin is swollen, you can also eat more radishes and drink more water.
How to remove the fuzz from a peach's surface
1. Wet the peach, sprinkle a pinch of fine salt on its surface, and gently rub it evenly. Soak the peach in water for a moment, then rinse it clean with fresh water, and the fuzz will be completely removed.
2. Add a little salt to the water, soak the peach for a while, then gently rub it with your hands, and the fuzz will all come off.
3. Do not wet the peach first. Use a clean brush to scrub its surface once, then wash it in salt water, and the fuzz will be easy to remove.
4. To remove fresh peach fuzz with alkaline water, put a little edible alkali in clear water, soak the fresh peach for 3 minutes, stir it a few times, and the fuzz will automatically float to the surface. Rinse it a few times, and the fuzz will be gone.