peach

" The Peach (Prunus persica) is a tree native to China that bears a juicy fruit of the same name. The peach varieties grown in China are divided into 6 groups. Chinese literature dates its cultivation in China to 1,000 B.C. Probably carried from China to Persia (Iran), the peach quickly spread from there to Europe. In the 16th century, it was established in Mexico probably by the Spanish. Spanish missionaries introduced the peach to California in the 18th century. Peaches are known in China and Japan not only as a popular fruit but for the many folktales and traditions associated with it. The peach often plays an important part in Chinese tradition and is symbolic of long life. Low-cost Chinese production has infiltrated the Japanese market, expanding from zero in 1985 to over 36000 tons in 1999/2000. Chinese peach exports now account for nearly 50 percent of Japanese imports."