Nectarines have often been thought of as a peach without fuzz or a cross between a peach and a plum. Nectarines are a separate variety of fruit that evolved naturally from peaches and have been around for thousands of years. Nectarines sometimes grow on peach trees, and peaches can do the same thing on nectarine trees.
Most of the commercial nectarine crop grown in the U.S. is from California while the imported winter crop is from Chile and New Zealand.
Nectarines are one of the most popular fruits for fresh consumption in the United States. They are typically orange-red in color and have a free stone pit surrounded by yellow flesh. Popular varieties include Mayglo, Firebrite, Spring Red, Red Diamond, Fantasia and Flamekist.
Nectarines are packed with nutritional benefits just like peaches.
Peak Time: Available late April to early September (June to August is peak)
Average Price: $1.50 per pound
Tips for Selection and Storage: Nectarines are sometimes preferred over peaches because they are smoother, have a firmer texture and don’t have the fuzz! While both fruits offer similar tastes, some may find nectarines to be more aromatic with a honey-like flavor.
Choose nectarines that have an orange to red background color and avoid those that show any signs of green. Ripe nectarines will yield to slight pressure but will not be as soft as a ripe peach. Ripe fruit can be refrigerated for a week. Do not refrigerate unripe fruit as it will not ripen if it is chilled too much. One pound of nectarines will yield about 2 cups of sliced fruit.
Tips for Preparation: Nectarines can be used in most any recipe that calls for peaches. Nectarines are usually smaller and firmer than peaches. Nectarines can be eaten raw with the peel and require only slight washing. To serve raw, simply wash, peel (if desired) and remove the pit. They can then be sliced and used in a variety of salads or main dishes. Just like peaches, nectarines will turn brown when exposed to air; to prevent this, coat with lemon juice or orange juice.
They are a very good lunch box snack because they pack well and are easily eaten by hand with the peel. Nectarines can also be cooked by baking, grilling or sautéing. Nectarines retain more B vitamins after cooking than peaches.
Nutritional Highlights: Nectarines are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, B vitamins, and dietary fiber. They are rich in copper and potassium. Nectarines have four phenolic groups of phytonutrients. Because you usually eat the skin of nectarines, the red pigment contains anthocyanin. Deep red nectarines have the most of this pigment that boosts their antioxidant properties.
