A study has helped scientists discover more about the domestication of peaches. Scientists suggest that it dates back to at least 7,500 years. The research team reached at the conclusion after analyzing ancient peach stones.

"Previously, no one knew where peaches were domesticated. None of the botanical literature suggested the Yangtze Valley, although many people thought that it happened somewhere in China", said Gary Crawford, one of the researchers, in a news release.

Radiocarbon dating technique provided researchers the much needed help to get into the depth of the origin of peaches. The ancient peach stones, discovered in the Lower Yangtze River Valley, were examined by the researchers to compare their size and structure. The comparison helped the researchers deduce that peaches grew significantly larger over the time in the Yangtze valley, which was a clear indication of domestication.

The peach stones came from six sites that spanned a period of about 5,000 years. Crawford said the study results have provided strong evidence that people had good knowledge of grafting and vegetative reproduction even long ago. The selection method grew quickly.

As per the estimates of the study researchers, it took 3,000 years before peaches resembled the fruit we know today. It was figured out with the help of radiocarbon dating technique that domesticated peaches separated from it wild ancestors as early as 7,500 years ago.

Crawford said today's peaches did not grow in the wild. Peaches sought many changes from generation to generation, turning to what we enjoy today from a thinly fleshed, very small fruit it was many years ago. Fruits are produced by peaches over an extended season today, but the season is much shorter in the wild. Taste and fruit size were not the only factors that led people to select them, but production time as well. The study has also showed that humans keep on altering their environment to meet their needs.