Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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.
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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South Bay Certified Farmers Market
Rosales Farm
Near Bonita, California, United StatesTulare County, CA About 117 days ago, 9/22/21 
Tesco Metro
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 119 days ago, 9/20/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 123 days ago, 9/16/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines from regier family farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 159 days ago, 8/11/21 
Almagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesAlmagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 165 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 167 days ago, 8/03/21 Sharer's comments : Nectarines from Turkey 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 169 days ago, 8/01/21 
Union Square Greenmarket
Caradonna Farms
Near New York, United StatesMarlborough, NY About 177 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 180 days ago, 7/21/21 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 181 days ago, 7/20/21 Sharer's comments : Nectarines 😻 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 187 days ago, 7/14/21 
Almagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesAlmagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 187 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 204 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 214 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 215 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 215 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Sweet and Tangy 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 231 days ago, 5/31/21 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines from regier family farms 
Almagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
California, United StatesAbout 233 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 243 days ago, 5/19/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 248 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 250 days ago, 5/12/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 256 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 257 days ago, 5/05/21 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 494 days ago, 9/10/20 Sharer's comments : Scott Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 515 days ago, 8/20/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines are in! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 522 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines are in Season Now 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 528 days ago, 8/07/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 529 days ago, 8/06/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines are happening 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 543 days ago, 7/23/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Yellow Nectarines from Tenerelli Orchards! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 544 days ago, 7/22/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 551 days ago, 7/15/20 Sharer's comments : Spring Bright Yellow Nectarines 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 557 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Nectarines 🇬🇷 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 563 days ago, 7/03/20 Sharer's comments : Carmen Miranda Yellow Nectarines back in action 💥 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 570 days ago, 6/26/20 Sharer's comments : Low acid very Floral Carman Miranda Nectarines! 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States619-295-3172 About 571 days ago, 6/25/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines going strong! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 574 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines in season now! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 578 days ago, 6/18/20 Sharer's comments : Carmen Miranda “ Mango Nectarines” at Specialty Produce Now! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 579 days ago, 6/17/20 Sharer's comments : Honey Blaze Yellow Nectarines 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 581 days ago, 6/15/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow nectarines in from Boldt Farms! 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 590 days ago, 6/06/20 Sharer's comments : InSeason nectarines from Boldt farms 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 599 days ago, 5/28/20 Sharer's comments : Nectarines 👌 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Troy Regier
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-559-779-4704 About 607 days ago, 5/20/20 Sharer's comments : Zee Fire 🔥 Yellow Nectarines. Regier Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 613 days ago, 5/14/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarine from Regier Family Farms! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 621 days ago, 5/06/20 Sharer's comments : Yellow Nectarines " Honey May". Good to have the Regiers back at the market! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-351-6203 About 628 days ago, 4/29/20 Sharer's comments : Early Yellow Nectarines from Scott Farms!! 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 629 days ago, 4/28/20 Sharer's comments : Nectarines from Spain 🇪🇸 |
