In the spotlight - Peaches

After a few weeks of covering fruits that masquerade as vegetables, it's time to go back to a fruit where there's no quibble over what it is, so I've plumped for peaches. No particular reason for my choice, though I do enjoy them regularly, even if they are from a tin - I find chopped, they are a nice addition to porridge.

• Although they originate in China, they have been referred to as "Persian apples" as they made their way into Europe via Persia along the silk routes.
• There are hundreds of varieties of peach and nectarines are not a separate fruit, they are a smooth skinned variety of peach.
• Italy is the 2nd largest producer of peaches in the world. No surprise then that the Bellini - a drink made from peach puree and sparkling wine/champagne - originated in Italy.
• Peaches are good for topping up your intake of Vitamin C and Betacarotene.
• There's only so many time you can have a peach melba, so how else might you serve them? Like a lot of fruits, they make a nice addition to fruit salads and cereal. However, they also work in savoury dishes - think salads and fruity sauces.
• They are a symbol of good luck and longevity.
• Peach juice is thought to be a good moisturiser and often finds its way into cosmetics.

Spiced peach couscous - a side dish with a kick

• Prepare the couscous according to the pack instructions, adding 3tbsp raisins.
• Cook a chopped red onion in a little oil until softened, then add 1 small diced chilli and 1 chopped peach with the skin removed - you can use a third of a can of drained tinned peaches instead. Stir and cook for about a minute.
• Add the couscous to the pan, along with 0.5 tsp each of curry powder, coriander and mint.
• Heat through for a few minutes on a low heat then serve.

Peach soup - a refreshing way to end a meal

• Drain 2 cans of peach slices (reserve half a can) and blend with 175ml pineapple juice and 125ml orange juice until smooth.
• Add 150g natural yoghurt, 75ml dry white wine, 1tbsp lemon juice and 0.25 tsp cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
• Chop the remaining peaches and stir through the soup.
• Chill until it is time to serve then garnish each bowl with a few raspberries.