Commonly showcased side by side with peaches, nectarines are a similar, but yet different fruit.

The best way to identify a peach from a nectarine is by the nectarine’s lack of fuzz on its outer skin

Nectarines have more delicate skin and bruise easier than peaches

Nectarine Peach

Nectarines are stone fruits, meaning they have a single large seed (or pit) surrounded by juicy flesh

There are more than 100 varieties of nectarine, in freestone and clingstone varieties.

In freestone types the flesh separates from the pit easily

The flesh clings to the pit in clingstone types

Nectarines, like peaches, most likely originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and were cultivated in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome.

They were grown in Great Britain in the late 16th or early 17th centuries, and were introduced to America by the Spanish.

Nectarines grow much like peaches do, on trees

Nectarine trees grow best in warm weather and in full sunlight

Peach or nectarine tree roots or rootstocks will not tolerate soils where water remains on or near the surface for more than one hour after a heavy rain!

Today, California grows over 95% of the nectarines produced in the United States!

California nectarines are available from late April and to late August.

Nectarines are smaller and smooth skinned, golden yellow with large blushes of red.

Their yellow flesh has a noticeable pink tinge, with a distinct aroma and a more pronounced flavor.

Nectarines can be very tangy, sweet, or sour depending on ripeness

Nectarines are commonly eaten fresh or cooked in preserves, jams, or pies

They can be poached, baked, grilled or pureed

Nectarines make great additions to fruit salads or toppings for yogurt

Nectarines provide respectable amounts of the antioxidant vitamins A and C, in addition to potassium and fiber.

They provide twice the vitamin A, slightly more vitamin C, and much more potassium than peaches.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/407794/nectarine

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/nectarine.html

http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/peaches.html http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iP_i2DpKNr8/SprFa89418I/

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