Building a Sustainable Nursery
Peach Trees: A Symbol of Resilience & Connection for Indigenous Peoples
Welcome to this week’s edition of Building a Sustainable Nursery.
This week, we explore the story of peach trees (Prunus persica), which hold historical significance and symbolize resilience and cultural ties for Indigenous peoples across North America.
Plant Profile & Native Range
Peaches have a rich history, first harvested around 8000 BC in China and domesticated by 5000 BC.
They were spread via the Silk Road, and they reached the Americas in the 15th and 16th centuries, brought by Spanish explorers.
Remarkably, peaches were the first “Afro-Eurasian domesticate” (their words not mine) adopted by Indigenous communities.
Thriving in North America, they became a vital food source and symbol of Indigenous connection to the land.
By the mid-17th century, peach orchards stretched across the southeastern U.S. Reports state that they reached as far north as New York State, developing new varieties along the way.
Even during forced relocation, Indigenous communities carried their peach trees and seeds, continuing this legacy today.
These trees remain an important part of cultural heritage, with members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation continuing to grow peaches as a living legacy today.
Storytime: The Peachtree War and Indigenous Connections
Peaches are deeply woven into the history of many Indigenous communities, even playing a role in the events that shaped colonial America.
In 1655, the Susquehannock Nation and allied Native groups launched a retaliatory attack on Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (modern-day New York) after the Dutch seized control of New Sweden, a Swedish colony that had been an ally and trade partner of the Susquehannocks.
The attack, known as the Peachtree War, saw over 600 warriors devastate settlements, killing Dutch colonists and taking hostages. Peaches were so significant to these communities that they were part of the symbolic resistance against colonial aggression, further cementing their place in Indigenous history.
In the Southwest, the Spanish first encountered thriving peach orchards among Indigenous communities, notably the Hopi, who had cultivated peach trees well before European arrival to the area.
These fruit trees were integral to Native agricultural practices, providing abundant food resources and showcasing the ingenuity of Indigenous farming methods.
Learn more here.
Plant Propagation & Notes
Historically, many Native tribes grew peaches from seed, often as multi-stemmed shrubs.
While modern nurseries propagate peach trees through grafting, I grow them from seed in my nursery.
This promotes biodiversity and helps discover new traits, flavors, and features.
Though grafting is a skill I plan to learn, for now, I enjoy nurturing trees from seed and promoting genetic diversity.
Economics of Peaches
Peaches are one of the most popular fruits in the U.S., with two main types: clingstone and freestone.
Clingstone peaches, where the flesh sticks to the pit, are ideal for processing, while freestone peaches, with pits that separate easily, are best for fresh consumption. There are also three primary flesh colors: yellow, white, and red, with yellow being the most common.
Peach production in the U.S. is concentrated in California, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. In 2021, California produced over half of the country’s peach crop, primarily for processing.
Though the global peach industry is growing, U.S. acreage has declined due to reduced demand for canned peaches and shifting consumer preferences.
Peaches are also used in value-added products like jams, jellies, sorbets, and even peach-flavored beers. The market supports U-Pick operations, farm stands, and local farmers’ markets, offering direct-to-consumer opportunities.
Wood Uses
Peach wood is mainly known for smoking meats, prized for its sweet, fruity flavor.
While less common than hickory or oak, it has gained popularity in barbecue circles.
Some reports suggest a gum could also be made from the stems and wood, possibly used as an adhesive.
This is something I’d like to explore in the future at the nursery.
Recipes to Try with Peaches
Peach Bourbon Glaze: A sweet and smoky glaze for meats or roasted vegetables.
Peach Jalapeño Jam: Ideal for canning and enjoying year-round, this jam brings a delightful kick.
Peach Tartlets: Perfect for a light dessert, combining the sweetness of peaches with a buttery crust.
Peach Ice Cream: Refreshing and creamy, this homemade treat will become a favorite in the summer months.
Brown Butter Peach Cupcakes: combining the rich flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of peaches for a decadent treat.
Venison Tacos with Roasted Peach and Jalapeño Salsa: tacos topped with a smoky, sweet, and spicy roasted salsa for a unique and flavorful twist.
One-Skillet Peach Glazed Chicken: Chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a juicy and crispy meal.
Links
Peaches Spread Across North America
Peaches | Ag Marketing & Resource Center
Peach & Nectarine Global Production
Protecting Endangered Peach Trees
Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters!
As I continue to build the Backyard Berry Nursery and develop this newsletter, your input is invaluable!
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Cast your vote for next week’s crop profile. Do you want to read about American plum, pear, or pawpaw?
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Crop Profile Directory
If you’re enjoying this newsletter and want to dive deeper into the plants I will be growing and how to incorporate them, you’re in luck!
Below is a directory of all our past crop profiles. Feel free to browse and explore—happy reading! 👋
Thank you for being here with me on this journey through the world of edible plants, sustainable practices, and the joys of nurturing local flora.
I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions! I’ll be back in your inbox next week! 👍🏼
Much love
Many blessings
Travis
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There must be far more persimmon varieties than I have ever been aware of. I recently procured some from California. Like nothing I have ever seen. Same awesome flavor. Almost. Same awesome anyway....
What a pretty collection of peach pits in your palm there! I enjoyed learning the history behind them. The taco & glazed chicken recipes sound delightful.
I cast a vote for the plums next week!