Nectarines

The nectarine and peach are interchangeable when it comes to recipes and cookery. Personal taste has a lot to do with which one you favour.  The nectarine is actually a subspecies of peach that lacks the gene for fuzz.

Nutrition:  Nectarines are low fat, saturated fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free and a good source of vitamin C.

In Season:  Nectarines and other stone fruits are in season during the summer months and reach their peak in July and August.

What To Look For:  Look for fragrant nectarines with taut skin. Avoid those with wrinkles and bruises. They should have some give when gently pressed; handle carefully, and carry no more than four
per bag.

How To Store:  Although best enjoyed without delay, ripe stone fruits can be refrigerated for three to five days. Store unripe nectarines in paper bag until ripe, then store at room temperature for use within 2-3 days.

Did You Know?  Botanically speaking the nectarine is a variety of peach. But eaten out of hand or served at the table, the nectarine is both more and less than the peach.