Fresh light shed on the peach's past

Cultivation of fruit can be traced back to Yangtze River valley 7,500 years ago

Peaches fresh from the tree or in treats like pie, jam and ice cream have been enjoyed by people for a long, long time. But until now, it was not clear just how long it has been.

Scientists said on Monday that an analysis of well-preserved ancient peach pits traces the cultivation of this sweet fruit back at least 7,500 years to the lower Yangtze River valley near Shanghai.