Vitamin K Value In Peaches

Peaches have been found in Chinese literature as far back as 4,000 years. There are two basic types of peaches; freestones and clingstones. Freestone pits separate easily from the flesh while a clingstone pit attaches firmly to the flesh. Peaches contain a significant amount of fiber and nutrients but are not considered a high source of vitamin K.

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids the body in blood clotting in order to prevent hemorrhaging. The human intestinal tract contains beneficial bacteria that help produce vitamin K in most healthy individuals. Taking antibiotics may reduce vitamin K-producing bacteria in the intestinal tract. Medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's or celiac disease may also reduce vitamin K-producing bacteria in the intestines. The Dietary Reference Intake for vitamin K is 90 to 120 mcg per day. Peaches contain less than 4 mcg per medium, raw peach.

Types of Peaches

In the U.S., the state of Georgia is known as the Peach State because its growers produce the majority of the country's peaches. There are approximately 2,000 varieties of peaches known. Most peaches have a yellowish flesh with a yellow-red soft skin, but certain varieties may have a tan or pale green color. Their shape can vary from round to the doughnut-shaped Stark-Saturn peach. The scientific name for peaches is Prunus persica.

Selecting Peaches

When selecting peaches from your local farmer's market or grocery store, look for peaches that are soft but not mushy. If only firm peaches are available, leave them out at room temperature for a day or so and they will begin to ripen for optimal taste and texture. Keep in mind that shipping and storage time will reduce the nutritional content of the peaches including the vitamin K content.

Other Nutrients

In addition to a small amount of the fat-soluble vitamin K, peaches also contain approximately 6 percent vitamin A per one raw peach based on a 2,000 calorie diet. A medium peach contributes around 15 percent of your recommended daily intake of water-soluble vitamin C. The minerals in peaches include iron, phosphorus and a significant amount of potassium. One medium peach also contains around 1.5 to 2 mg of dietary fiber.