Recognising which oils are the most beneficial for the skin has been one of the most important historical evolutions in regards to cosmetics and beauty products. Peach Kernel Oil is one of these oils that have long since been used to reduce the appearance of age. Indigo Herbs has acquired a cold pressed Pure Peach Kernel Oil that is subsequently a rare product for its purity. Because the kernels for this product have been cold pressed and not heat treated at all then all the active constituents in the oil have not changed on a molecular level. This results in the best possible oil that can be used on the skin.

Originally from China, the peach tree found its home with the ancient Persians where part of the common name originates. Its spread over Europe is attributed to the Greeks after Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 300 BC and brought the tree back to Greece. The peach then spread throughout the Mediterranean and now is an important economic staple for many countries. It was the Romans who first recognised the properties of Peach Kernel Oil as a beauty product. They bought vast quantities straight from Persia during the reign of the Emperor Claudius and it has since been used all over Europe for the keeping skin supple and beautiful. In China the peach is considered the most sacred tree in the Taoist religion and has been cultivated there since 2,000 BC. Legend tells of a peach tree that belonged to the gods and only yielded fruit every 3,000 years. Anyone who ate these peaches would be granted supreme health, youth and immortality. The peach is still popular in China today as a fruit that is served during birthdays as a symbol of longevity.

Peach trees like warmer climates but need a period of ‘chilling time’ to survive. Some cultivars can survive temperatures of -30°C but this may result in their being no fruit for that season. The chilling time is very important in the life of the peach as significant chemical changes happen hat help the peach transform and produce fruit. The blossoms of the peach tree are considered very beautiful and significant to Japanese culture and fruiting results after the blossoms have fallen. There are many different species of which are generally split into two categories; freestone and clingstone. These two categories represent whether the inner stone either clings or just falls out. Usually the peach will only fruit after its third year and has a short life span of around 12 years.