Nectarine

What Is Nectarine?

Nectarine is a fuzz-free-skinned variety of peach (Prunus persica). Its skin is smooth and glossy, colored in yellow-red tones; its flesh closely resembles peach, being juicy and sweet.

Having fuzz-free skin due to a genetic difference, nectarine is not a separate species from peach but a variety of it. There are freestone and clingstone varieties depending on how the flesh separates from the pit.

Nutritional Value of Nectarine

100 grams of raw nectarine contains about 44 kcal of energy, 10.5 g of carbohydrates, and 1.7 g of fiber; it contributes to vitamin C and potassium. It's a juicy, light summer fruit.

What Are the Benefits of Nectarine?

With its fiber, vitamin C, and potassium content, nectarine can be considered a refreshing part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; nectarine is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Nectarine Selected?

A good nectarine is a fruit that softens slightly when pressed lightly, has glossy skin, and a pleasant smell. Firm-greenish ones can be ripened at room temperature; wrinkled and bruised fruit is not preferred.

• Skin should be glossy, color vivid
• Should soften slightly when pressed, no bruising
• Should have a pleasant smell around the stem

How Is Nectarine Stored?

Ripe nectarine keeps for a few days in the fridge; if bought unripe, it's ripened at room temperature and then refrigerated. Sliced nectarine can have its browning delayed with a few drops of lemon juice.

Using Nectarine in the Kitchen

Nectarine is mostly eaten fresh; it's also used in desserts like tarts, cakes, and jam, and in fruit and green salads. It's also served caramelized on the grill.

How Is Nectarine Jam Made?

Pitted and chopped nectarine is boiled with sugar and lemon juice until it reaches a thick consistency; it's jarred while hot.

Is Nectarine Grilled?

Yes; nectarine halved and pitted, with the cut side grilled to caramelize, is used as a dessert and garnish.

What Recipes Is Nectarine Used In?

Fruit salad, nectarine tart, nectarine jam, and grilled nectarine are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between nectarine and peach?

The main difference is the skin; nectarine's skin is fuzz-free and smooth, while peach's is fuzzy. Their flesh and flavor are very similar.

Is nectarine's skin edible?

Yes; its thin, fuzz-free skin is edible and can be eaten after thorough washing.

When does nectarine ripen?

Its most flavorful season is summer; fruit bought unripe ripens in a few days at room temperature.

How does nectarine become sweeter?

It reaches its sweetest state when fully ripe; a pleasant scent rising from around the stem is a sign of ripeness.