Peach gum
Peach gum is a natural gum and resinous substance secreted by peach trees and related species in the Rosaceae family when the bark is damaged or the tree is stressed.
It has a long history of consumption in China, where it is commonly used in sweet soups, desserts, and beverages. The substance is marketed for various health benefits, including claims about collagen content and skin improvement, though many of these claims lack scientific evidence.
Formation
Peach gum is not a normal product of healthy peach trees. It forms when trees are injured, diseased, or when bark is deliberately cut. The resin seeps from wounds and solidifies when exposed to air and sunlight, forming amber-colored, translucent crystalline pieces.Composition
The substance is primarily composed of polysaccharides, including galactose, rhamnose, and α-glucuronic acid. It also contains dietary fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of vitamins. Despite marketing claims, peach gum does not contain collagen, which is exclusive to animal tissues.Traditional use
Peach gum has been documented in traditional Chinese medicine texts, including the Tang Bencao and Li Shizhen's Bencao Gangmu from the Ming Dynasty. Historical texts describe its use for treating urinary issues and other conditions, though these traditional uses have not been validated by modern scientific research.Culinary use
In modern times, peach gum is primarily used as a food ingredient, particularly in Asian cuisine. It requires soaking in water for 8-12 hours before use, during which it softens and expands significantly. Common preparations include:- Sweet soups and desserts
- Beverages combined with milk or soy milk
- Porridges and puddings
- Combined with other ingredients such as snow fungus, red dates, or papaya
Regulatory status
In 2023, China's National Health Commission officially approved peach gum as a "new food ingredient," establishing a recommended daily consumption limit of ≤30 grams per day. The regulatory approval noted insufficient safety data for infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, recommending these groups avoid consumption.Nutrition and health claims
While peach gum contains dietary fiber and may have properties similar to other soluble fibers, many health claims about its benefits lack scientific evidence. Some research suggests it may have blood sugar-lowering effects similar to other plant-based dietary fibers, but more rigorous clinical studies are needed.Marketing claims about collagen content and anti-aging effects are not supported by scientific evidence, as plants do not produce collagen.