Magickal Aspects of Peaches

We continue our look at a variety of foods and herbs as Magickal ingredients as well as mundane. It is my desire to show you how in Kitchen Witchery there is Magick in the ordinary. Items most take for granted are valuable to a Kitchen Witch.

This week we are looking at Peaches. 

Yes, juicy fuzzy sweet peaches. We picked some up at our local orchard and farm market and.... they are gone now because they were so good! It late July here in Pennsylvania and Peaches are in season making this time of the year the right time to have this Magickal ingredient in your kitchen.

 Magickal Aspects of Peaches

A little history & legend:

We begin with a little history and legend with Peaches to gain a better understanding of why this fruit is more than a delicious and healthy treat.

Genetic studies trace the peach back to China, to about 2000BCE. This luscious fruit was cultivated in Persia and eventually reaching Greece in 300BCE. Peaches were brought to America by Spanish explorers in the 16^th century, but did not make it to England and France until the 17^th century.

Peach blossoms are high prized in many Asian cultures. The Chinese believe the peach to possess abundant vitality more than any other tree. This is thought be because their blossoms appear before leaves.

When early rulers of China visited territories within their kingdoms, sorcerers armed with peach rods would go ahead of them to protect them from spectral evils. One of the deities of the Chinese Fulu Shou religion, named The Old Man of the South Pole (a member of the Eight Immortals), is sometimes seen holding a large peach, to represent long life and health.

Let’s look further into Peach and its values in a Magick Kitchen

Hand painted - Dishwasher safe glassware

from Elegantly Haunted

Aspects of Peach:

Magickal: Aspects:	Longevity Protection Vitality Love
A Few Associated Deities:	Kami (Elemental Spirits in Nature) The Old Man of the South Pole (a member of the Eight Immortals) Venus Aphrodite Freya Hathor
Element:	Water
In Season:	Mid July through Late September
Medicinal properties:	Packed with selenium a powerful antioxidant believed to help fight cancer. Peaches can help rid the intestines of parasites Diuretic properties help maintain liver and kidney health, and may also help with gout and rheumatism Compounds present in stone fruit, such as peaches are shown to have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Peach blossoms can be used as a sedative Used to ease symptoms of bronchitis, coughs and gastritis
Magick:	Carved peach pits worn around the neck protect one’s life, safety and health. Amulets of this sort are often worn by children.  Peach wood carved into a seal or gate guard doors and openings. Peach wood makes and excellent wand.
When is it ripe?	A peach should be firm but not squishy when you gently grasp the fruit. A peach is ready to eat when it smells like a peach.
Culinary Use:	Most of the time peaches are eaten raw, but this fruit is versatile enough for baking,juicing, the grill, salads, and more.
Preserving:	Peaches can be frozen, dried and canned
Storage:	Store at 32° F in high humidity.
Home and Ritual Décor:	Peach pits can be caved and used in the creation of wreaths & necklaces. Peach wood can also be carved into plaques and used to decorate walls and mantels. Place a bowl or basket of fresh peaches and peach leaves on your table for a beautifully fragrant and edible arrangement.

Fresh Peach Iced Tea Recipe

This is perfect to make this when peaches are in season. It is so refreshing and delicious. Note that organic is always best but not mandatory for this recipe.

 Time: 10-15 Minutes

 Yield: 2+ quarts of tea

Ingredients 

• 3-5 Oolong tea Bags
• Water, 2C plus more to dilute brewed tea
• 1C of bottled fresh peach juice or 2-3 fresh peaches - juiced
• Ice, lots of ice
• Simple Syrup, to taste
• Light Rum, to taste (optional)

Instructions 

1. Juice your peaches or if you choose peach nectar from the bottle measure out 1C of juice
2. In a small pot, bring 2C of water and tea bags to a boil. Allow to boil for 30 seconds up to 1 minute. Turn off the heat and allow the tea bags to steep for 2 minutes. (The number of tea bags will depend on how strong you like your tea. Oolong is a milder tea so if you like a stronger tea flavor, you may use more tea bags or switch to a stronger tea like black tea.) Meanwhile, fill your pitcher with ice.
3. Carefully pour the hot tea over the ice in your pitcher.
4. Add your peach juice, and top with water to dilute. Stir to combine.
5. Next add simple syrup to taste and rum if desired. You may also save this step and pour desired amount of simple syrup and rum per glass.

If you have left over peaches, add peach slices to each glass.

 ENJOY!!

Simple Syrup Recipe

            1C Sugar

            1C Water

Combine these two ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour into desired container for storage and future use.

  

© The Magick Kitchen, 2014