Peaches are a delicious and juicy fruit, and are often thought of as a treat due to their sweet flavor. However, combined with pork, peaches can make for a tasty and healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Peaches
Summer is the time of fresh produce, such as peaches. This juicy fruit is harvested between May and August, depending on the climate. Peaches derived from China, but have been cultivated throughout the world in area of a cool climate rather than one that is tropical. This drupe fruit belongs "to the genus Prunus; family of rosaeae and named as Prunus persica" (Nutrition and You). Like other drupe fruits, peaches contain a seed in their centres.
Peaches are both low in calories (39 calories/100g) and contain no saturated fats. This fruit is a good source of vitamin C, which provides antioxidants to aid the body against infections. Vitamin A and ß-carotene are also found in peaches; these vitamins are used by the body's mucus membranes and skin. Potassium, fluoride, iron and flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants (such as lutein, zeaxanthinand ß-cryptoxanthin) have rich deposits in peaches which can help maintain a healthy body.
Ways to Prepare Peaches
Peaches can be prepared in various ways, or eaten simply as is. Sliced peaches can be added to salads or used in fruit cocktails, jams, and baked goods. Peaches and pork compliment each other very well, and make for a delicious and healthy meal. The following recipe works great during the summer since no oven is required, just a skillet so that your house won't be turned into an oven itself.
Maple Rosemary Peach Pork Sausage Skillet
(makes 5-6 servings)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork sausages
- 4 peaches (diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 2 tsp dry parsley
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 tsp dry rosemary
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- drizzle of maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp canola oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
Directions:
- Heat canola oil on a medium heated skillet. Add pork sausages to the heated skillet, and break apart into bitable chunks with a wooden spoon.
- Once all the sausages are broken up, add the diced peaches and mix together with the sausage chunks. Sprinkle on parsley, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle on maple syrup, and continue to mix and cook until sausage is no longer pink and the peaches are soft (about 10-15 minutes). Serve hot.
References
Julia Shaw - Julia is an aspiring writer, and is pursuing this passion by studying English at the University of Calgary.
Join the Conversation