Peaches

Peaches, scientifically known as Prunus Persica, are produced in large quantities in China. It is also Native to the former, where it symbolizes immortality.
Peaches are classified into 2 classes; the freestones, where the pit is separate form the fruit, and the clings, where the pit is tightly held within the fruit. We usually eat freestones at our diner tables, since they are much easier to peal and handle.
farmers have artificially selected plants of peaches to make them propagate in different climates. Peaches in the old days were entered in the far east, most specifically in China, and distributing it to the outside world was of great challenge. Enabling it to be planted in different climates made it available in different parts of the world.
Eating peaches also has it benefits; the most important being that it is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor for Vitamin A which as we said is of great benefit for the human eyes.

Citation:

Simpson, B., & Ogorzaly, M. (2013). Fruits and Nuts of Temperate Regions. In Plants In Our World: Economic Botany. McGrawhill.

Apricots

Apricots, scientifically known as Prunus Armeniaca, are produced the most in Turkey. They actually originated China, and from there it was introduced to many parts of the world. Notably, Alexander the Great brought apricots to Greece from Persia, and spaniards introduced them to the California in the US, where they are known as 'orchards'.
An interesting fact about apricots is that they are known as 'Seeds of the Sun' in Persia. This connotation relates apricots to pregnant women. According to the Persians, if a woman eats an apricot and it is better, this means that she is pregnant. On the other hand, sweetness would indicate that she is not pregnant.
In addition, apricots are part of the Hunza's main diet, a tribe that lives in the Himalayas and are characterised by having long lives.
As for the benefit of this fruit, it is a good source of vitamin A, a precursor for 'retinal' which improves eyesight.

Citation:

Simpson, B., & Ogorzaly, M. (2013). Fruits and Nuts of Temperate Regions. In Plants In Our World: Economic Botany. McGrawhill.

Raspberries and Blackberries

In this post, I will be focusing on the some characteristics and health benefits that we get from these fruits.
Raspberries and Blackberries are commonly known as 'brambles' and 'love inducing food'. these brambles are excellent sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which is a precursor for the production of collagen in our body, as well as a good source of Vitamin B (niacin, folic acid, riboflavin), which serve as precursors for production of coenzymes in our body.
Raspberry tea is well-known in our community; it is of great benefit for pregnant women because it combats nausea and vomiting that accompany their morning sickness.
As for cranberry (a derivative of raspberries), it is great for fighting urine infection. Basically it prevents adhesion of the bacteria E.Coli to the walls of the urinary tract.
Finally, on a commercial note, blackberries are used as natural purple dyes to label meat.

Citation:

Simpson, B., & Ogorzaly, M. (2013). Fruits and Nuts of Temperate Regions. In Plants In Our World: Economic Botany. McGrawhill.

Strawberries

Strawberries, scientifically known as Fragaria, are a growing industry that started in the 1600s around Paris. However, the european plants produced small strawberries and and few fruits were produced per plant. Therefore, the european species were crossed with a larger species from Chile, and a new, better type of strawberry was introduced.
Strawberries offer many health benefits to humans. First, they are high in antioxidants (Flavonoids, vitamin A and C, and minerals), which play an important role in getting rid of free radicals in our body. Second, they prevent spikes in blood sugar following a meal. Third, they contain high amounts of ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which increase the activity of enzymes that reduce the activity of inflammatory compounds (most notably cyclooxygenase).

Citation:

Simpson, B., & Ogorzaly, M. (2013). Fruits and Nuts of Temperate Regions. In Plants In Our World: Economic Botany. McGrawhill.

Grapes

Grapes, scientifically known as Vitis Vinifera, are produced the most in Europe, especially in Italy. They are commonly known as the fruits that 'most inspired people yet led to their downfall'. This obviously refers to wine, a well-known product that we get from grapes. The origin of grapes goes back to middle Asia, where cultivation started 8000 years B.C. As for viticulture, it was started by the  greeks 100 years B.C, and then later moved to Europe (Germany, Italy, France, Spain).
A wide variety of  grapes are present, some are used for wine making and some are used for eating. For example, concord grapes are a type of grapes used to make grape juice, which is pasteurised and processed by ultra filtration.
Raisins are derivatives of grapes, and are produced by drying grapes in sulfur dioxide atmosphere. Due to their widespread popularity, farmers have artificially selected plants to make them softer, reduce their stickiness, and increase their pleasing flavor.

Citiation:

Simpson, B., & Ogorzaly, M. (2013). Fruits and Nuts of Temperate Regions. In Plants In Our World: Economic Botany. McGrawhill.