PEACH DRIED FRUIT

Peaches had their origins in Asia. They were domesticated in China in the 3rd millennium BC and spread to the Fertile Crescent where they were also very popular, fresh and dried alike. They arrived in Greece and Italy much later and were very expensive but valued in the preparation of gourmet dishes with port or stewed with honey and spices. By virtue of their high polyphenol content, dried fruits are an important source of antioxidants in the diet. These phytochemicals are believed to account for a major portion of antioxidant capacity in plant foods. Antioxidants can lower oxidative stress and so prevent oxidative damage to critical cellular components. Dried peaches are also important sources of carotenoids. These compounds not only are precursors of vitamin A but they also have antioxidant activity.