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.
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! Its late July here in Pennsylvania and peach season in is full force, 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 16th century but did not make it to England and France until the 17thcentury.
Peach blossoms are highly prized in many Asian cultures. The Chinese believe the peach to possess abundant vitality more than any other tree. This is thought to 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
Aspects of Peach:
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Magickal: Aspects:
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Longevity
Protection
Vitality
Love
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A Few Associated Deities:
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Kami (Elemental Spirits in Nature)
The Old Man of the South Pole (a member of the Eight Immortals)
Venus
Aphrodite
Freya
Hathor
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Element:
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Water
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In Season:
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Mid-July through Late September
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Medicinal properties:
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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
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Magick:
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Carved peach pits are worn around the neck protect one’s life, safety, and health. Amulets of this sort are often worn by children.
Peachwood carved into a seal or gate guard doors and openings.
Peachwood makes an excellent wand.
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When is it ripe?
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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.
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Culinary Use:
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Most of the time peaches are eaten raw, but this fruit is versatile enough for baking, juicing, the grill, salads, and more.
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Preserving:
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Peaches can be frozen, dried and canned
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Storage:
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Store at 32° F in high humidity.
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Home and Ritual Décor:
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Peach pits can be caved and used in the creation of wreaths & necklaces.
Peachwood 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.
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Fresh Peach Ice 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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 3-5 Oolong tea Bags
- Water 2C plus more to dilute brewed tea
- 1 C 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
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Juice your peaches or if you choose peach nectar from the bottle measure out 1C of juice
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In a small pot, bring 2C of water and tea bags to a boil. Bring to a 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.
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Carefully pour the hot tea over the ice in your pitcher.
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Add your peach juice, and top with water to dilute. Stir to combine.
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Next, add simple syrup to taste and rum if desired. You may also save this and pour the desired amount of simple syrup and rum per glass. Garnish with peach slices.
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ENJOY!!
Recipe Notes
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 your desired container for storage and serving.
©2014, The Magick Kitchen
© The Magick Kitchen, 2014