Love Local Ontario Produce | Everything you need to know about nectarines
Everything you need to know about nectarines
Nectarines have a long, long history, originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. The nectarine and the peach are so similar that there is only one gene that separates the two to make them distinct. The nectarine has one recessive gene … the one with the fuzz. So, you could essentially call the nectarine a fuzzless peach! Nectarines are also more delicate than peaches and bruise more easily, so handle with care!
The nectarines that you see in your local market from January – March come from Chile, which is in the heart of it’s summer during our winter. You’ll find local, Ontario-grown nectarines from mid-July to the end of September.
Nectarine Varieties:
While there are numerous varieties of nectarines, the differences are not easily distinguishable for most consumers. The biggest difference is color. nectarines can be divided into two categories: white flesh and yellow flesh. Nectarines can also be characterized by their pit. Freestone varieties have flesh that separates easily from the pit, while the flesh of a clingstone variety clings to the pit.
Yellow nectarines should be eaten when soft and juicy, when they yield slightly to gentle palm pressure. White flesh nectarines are a bit different. They are sweet when still firm and crunchy and can either be enjoyed that way or allowed to soften. It’s just a matter of personal preference.
How to Select and Store Nectarines:
To pick ripe nectarines, look for slightly firm but not too hard fruits that have a sweet nectar aroma. Avoid any that are bruised, cut, or have a green colouring near the stem.
Nectarines range in colour and can be anywhere from a light yellow and cream to a reddish-yellow. The blush or colour of a nectarine does not indicate ripeness, but is a way of identifying the variety. Look them over thoroughly for soft spots or bruises.
Never refrigerate nectarines, especially before they’re fully ripe. Chilling them before they’re ripe results in mealy, flavorless fruit. Instead, leave them on your counter at room temperature.
Want to speed up the ripening process of your nectarines? Place them in a paper bag, poke a few holes in the bag and leave them on your kitchen counter (at room temperature) for a few days. If you really want to speed up the process, add an apple to the bag. Once ripe, nectarines will keep in the refrigerator for a week.
How to Freeze Nectarines:
When you buy a ton of nectarines, take advantage their abundance and freeze fresh nectarines so you may enjoy them at a later time! You can freeze nectarines sliced, crushed, or puréed, but you need to preserve them with some sugar or syrup in order to keep the fruit from oxidizing or drying out in the freezer. Check out the National Center for Home Food Preparation for details on this page.
Nectarine Tips:
- To remove the pit, cut all around the fruit at the seam and give it a twist.
- Nectarines will discolour quickly after being cut, so if you aren’t combining them with something acidic, such as lemon juice or salad dressing, quickly dip the fruit in water with a squeeze of lemon and drain well.
- Sniff a nectarine for ripeness. If they are ripe, they’ll smell like sweet nectar.
- For the most flavour, nectarines are best enjoyed ripe, at room temperature.
- Don’t be afraid of firm nectarines! Unlike peaches, nectarines are typically a little firm when ripe. They can be just as sweet as a juicy peach!
- Grill halves and serve with yogurt and chopped nuts
- Preserve delicious nectarines by making your own freezer jam! It’s easy and you can create beautiful blends that you could never buy in the store.
- Use nectarines to add sweetness to smoothies, oatmeal, etc.
What do Nectarines Go Well With?
Herbs & Spices: basil, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mint, nutmeg, black pepper, rosemary, cardamom, vanilla and tarragon
Produce: lemon, lime, peaches, plums, cherries, figs, mangoes, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, apricot, blueberries, cantaloupe, and salad greens
Dairy & Other: yogurt, cream, buttermilk, butter, blue cheese, mozzarella, burrata, goat cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, vanilla ice cream, honey, maple syrup and caramel
Savoury: almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, chicken, quinoa, oats, prosciutto, and bacon
Serving ideas
Grill nectarines to caramelize their natural sweetness and add a slice of summer to savoury salads. They also make great desserts when topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a scoop of ice cream! If you want to stay indoors, use your oven to roast nectarines, as featured in this Frangipane with Roasted Stone Fruit.
Make a creamy and healthy sweet treat with greek yogurt, honey, and nectarines. These popsicles have a little secret ingredient that adds a unique savoury and Mediterranean flavour as well!
We love this beautiful flatbread with grilled nectarines and mascarpone. It would make a wonderful BBQ treat or addition to any outdoor party!
If you ever feel adventurous enough to try something outside the box, try making these nectarine rose pastries!
Nectarine Nutrition
According to the Canadian Nutrient File, 1 medium nectarine (136 g) contains a great number of your daily-recommended intake of nutrients: only 70 calories, 15% of Vitamin C, 9% of fibre (2.3 g), 8% of potassium, 6% of Vitamin A, 5% of magnesium, 4% of Vitamin K, and 177 µg of antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, and 133µg of antioxidants beta cryptozanthin.