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Nectarines
Inventory, 18lbs : 1.11
This item was last sold on : 03/19/23
Description/Taste
Nectarines are small fruits, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, oval, to ovate shape with a prominent seam or suture extending from the stem to the base. The fruit’s skin is smooth, taut, glossy, and delicate, bruising easily, and has a golden yellow base, blushed with hues of ruby, crimson, and orange. When determining whether Nectarines are ripe, it is important to look at the fruit’s base coloring. If the base has a green tinge, it has been harvested early and will generally not ripen with a favorable taste. The base coloring should be yellow or contain golden undertones for the best flavor. Underneath the surface, the golden yellow or white flesh is dense, semi-firm, and aqueous with a succulent nature, encasing a central pit. There are many Nectarine varieties, with some being freestone cultivars, meaning the pit does not adhere to the flesh, while others are clingstone types with the pit tightly connected to the flesh. Nectarines emit a honeyed, sweet, and aromatic scent when ripe and contain a somewhat balanced, sweet, and tangy flavor. Depending on the variety, the fruits may also provide warm spice, nectar, and wine-like nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Nectarines are available in the early summer through fall, with a peak season in the middle of summer.
Current Facts
Nectarines, botanically classified as Prunus persica var. Nucipersica, are sweet, smooth-skinned stone fruits belonging to the Rosaceae family. The small fruits grow on trees that can reach up to nine meters in height and are favored for their edible skin, semi-firm flesh, and sweet, spice-filled flavor. There are two main types of Nectarines, white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed. Both Nectarine types share similar characteristics, including seasonality, texture, and appearance, but the main difference is the amount of acidity found within the flesh. White nectarines have a lower acid content, causing the consumer to think there is a higher sugar content, developing a sweet flavor. In reality, white and orange-fleshed nectarines have a similar sugar content, and orange nectarines simply have a higher acidity, evoking a tart aftertaste. There are also over 100 varieties of Nectarines cultivated worldwide that are early, mid, to late-season cultivars. In commercial markets, many of these varieties will simply be labeled as Nectarines, but through specialty distributors or some farmer’s markets, popular varietals include Arctic Jay, Double Delight, Armking, Early Sungrand, Zephyr, Sun Home, Le Grand, Heavenly White, Sunglo, May Gran, Fantasia, Flaming Red, Snow Queen, Panamint, Swanzey, Firebrite, Redgold, and August Glo.
Nutritional Value
Nectarines are an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning. The fruits also contain some fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, folate to develop red blood cells, and other amounts of zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamins E and K. It is important to note that Nectarine pits contain cyanide compounds, considered toxic when ingested in large quantities, and should not be consumed.
Applications
Nectarines have a sweet flavor well suited for fresh and cooked preparations, including grilling, poaching, baking, roasting, or sautéing. The fruits can be consumed straight, out of hand, with the skin on, or sliced and eaten with sugar or cream as a dessert. Nectarines can also be tossed into green salads, mixed into fruit bowls, layered over toast and bruschetta, topped over ice cream, blended into sorbet, or chopped into salsa. In addition to fresh preparations, Nectarines can be used as a substitute for peaches in recipes and can be pureed and cooked into sauces, compotes, jellies, jams, and syrups. The fruits have a firmer flesh that holds its shape when cooked, favored for baked goods, including pies, cobblers, cakes, and tarts. The fruit’s skin can also be left on when cooked or removed, depending on consumer preference. Beyond culinary preparations, Nectarines can be sliced and stirred into drinks, blended into smoothies, or infused into sparkling beverages and lemonade. Nectarines pair well with cheeses such as goat, gorgonzola, and mozzarella, herbs including basil, mint, and cilantro, fruits such as berries, citrus, cherries, pomegranate, and apricots, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, meats such as pork, poultry, and beef, fish, and shrimp. Whole, unripe Nectarines can be kept at room temperature until ripe, softening in approximately 1 to 3 days. Once ripe, the Nectarines should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will keep for a few additional days. It is recommended to eat ripe fruits immediately for the best quality and flavor. Nectarines can also be sliced and stored in a sealed container in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Nectarines are believed to be a natural genetic mutation of a peach. Genetic studies have concluded that Nectarines are almost identical to peaches, but Nectarines contain a recessive allele that gives them smooth, fuzz less skin. The lack of fuzz contributes to the Nectarine's bright colorings and to its ability to bruise more easily. In orchards, Nectarines and peaches can also be found growing on the same tree on different branches. Nectarines and peaches are somewhat different in appearance despite their genetic similarities, with Nectarines typically being smaller, smoother, and firmer. The average Nectarine weighs around 150 grams, but the heaviest Nectarine ever recorded was found in Cyprus by Eleni Evangelou Ploutarchou in June 2018. The fruit weighed approximately 500 grams, the equivalent of 1.1 pounds.
Geography/History
The definitive origin of Nectarines is unknown. Experts hypothesize that Nectarines are native to Central Asia and China and were discovered growing as a natural mutation on a peach tree. Nectarines were thought to have been domesticated over 4,000 years ago in China and were selected for their smooth skin and bright coloring. Over time, the fruits were introduced to the Middle East through trade routes and were eventually brought to Ancient Greece and Rome. Nectarines spread into the rest of Europe, arriving in England and Northern Europe in the late 16th to early 17th centuries. The fruits were also brought to the New World with the Spanish and were planted in California. In the modern-day, Nectarines are still widely cultivated in California and account for approximately 95% of the Nectarines grown within the United States. Today Nectarines are produced worldwide and are found through local markets, supermarkets, specialty distributors, and grocers in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, South Africa, North America, and South America. Some major production countries include Argentina, China, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Turkey, and the Middle East.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Beach Terrance Inn | Carlsbad CA | 760-729-5951 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Monarch School | San Diego CA | 619-651-6604 |
| Justin Weiss | Bonsall CA | 760-724-9875 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Nectarines. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Nectarines using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Matilda Fruit Barn
Queensland, AustraliaAbout 4 days ago, 3/20/23 
Truman waterfront market
Near Key West, Florida, United StatesAbout 50 days ago, 2/02/23 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Smit Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 202 days ago, 9/03/22 
GREEN
Supermarket “Small”
California, United StatesKazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 203 days ago, 9/02/22 Sharer's comments : Beautiful nectarines of Uzbekistan 
Little Italy Mercato
Polito Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesValley Center Pauma Valley, CA About 237 days ago, 7/30/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 242 days ago, 7/25/22 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines from Kens Top Notch 
Abylai Khan str. 74, Almaty, Kazakhstan
California, United StatesAbout 253 days ago, 7/14/22 Sharer's comments : Nectarines from Uzbekistan 
Borough Market
Turnips Borough Market
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 https://turnipsboroughmarket.com About 255 days ago, 7/11/22 
Borough Market
Elsey & Bent
Near London, England, United Kingdom8 Southwark St London England SE1 1TL 442074073377 About 255 days ago, 7/11/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Troy Regier
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesDinuba,CA 1-559-779-4704 About 261 days ago, 7/06/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Troy Regier
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesDinuba, CA 1-559-779-4704 About 282 days ago, 6/15/22 
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
EcoFreshMarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 297 days ago, 5/31/22 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Uzbek nectarines 
Little Italy Mercato
Smit Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 300 days ago, 5/28/22 
Supermercato OK Sigma
Supermercato OK Sigma
Campania, ItalyVia Cristoforo Colombo, 308, 04029 Sperlonga LT About 301 days ago, 5/27/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Troy Regier
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesDinuba, CA 1-559-779-4704 About 310 days ago, 5/18/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 317 days ago, 5/11/22 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines from Regier Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Jay & Linda Scott
Near Santa Monica, California, United States39861 Road 68 Dinuba CA 93618 559-351-6203 About 324 days ago, 5/04/22 
Pico Market
Murray Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 328 days ago, 4/30/22 Sharer's comments : Honey May Yellow Nectarines from Murray Family Farms 
Almagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum.Express
California, United StatesAlmagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 339 days ago, 4/19/22 Sharer's comments : Nectarines from Chile imported to Almaty, Kazakhstan 
South Bay Certified Farmers Market
Rosales Farm
Near Bonita, California, United StatesTulare County, CA About 548 days ago, 9/22/21 
Tesco Metro
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 550 days ago, 9/20/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 554 days ago, 9/16/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines from regier family farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 590 days ago, 8/11/21 
Almagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesAlmagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 596 days ago, 8/05/21 Sharer's comments : White nectarines from Uzbekistan 
Zhetygen village, Ile region, Almaty oblast, Kazak
Magnum express
California, United StatesZhetygen village, Ile region, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan About 598 days ago, 8/03/21 Sharer's comments : Nectarines from Turkey 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 600 days ago, 8/01/21 
Union Square Greenmarket
Caradonna Farms
Near New York, United StatesMarlborough, NY About 608 days ago, 7/24/21 Sharer's comments : Love the tang of the yellow nectarine! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 611 days ago, 7/21/21 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 612 days ago, 7/20/21 Sharer's comments : Nectarines 😻 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 618 days ago, 7/14/21 
Almagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesAlmagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 618 days ago, 7/14/21 Sharer's comments : White nectarines from Uzbekistan 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 635 days ago, 6/27/21 Sharer's comments : Nectarines from regier family farms 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 645 days ago, 6/17/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines from regier family farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesDinuba, CA About 646 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Tree-ripened and that perfect balance of sweet and tang and with every bite! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Burkart Organics
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 646 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Sweet and Tangy 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 662 days ago, 5/31/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines from regier family farms 
Almagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
California, United StatesAbout 664 days ago, 5/29/21 Sharer's comments : Nectarines imported from China 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 674 days ago, 5/19/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 679 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarine from Regier Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 681 days ago, 5/12/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 687 days ago, 5/06/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines from regier family farm 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 688 days ago, 5/05/21 |
