Diet Blurbs

Ah, the fruit of nectarine. This sweet fruit is low in calories with no sodium or cholesterol.

Nectarines are similar to peaches, yet different. The obvious way to see how they differ is no “fuzz” on a nectarine. Nectarines are more delicate than peaches and they do bruise very easily.

You may notice that nectarines are smaller and smooth skinned. Coloring is a golden yellow with large blushes of red. Did you know that there are over 100 varieties?

The best way to tell if the fruit is ripe is take a whiff for its fruity fragrance and the slight give to your touch. The harder ones will ripen if left at room temperature for 2–3 days. Also, nectarines will keep up to 5 days when stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Always look for nectarines that have smooth unblemished skin. Stay away from the extremely hard ones, dull colored ones or the too soft ones with wrinkles or punctured skin.

Nectarines can be used and prepared in the same ways as peaches, with no need to peel, as they are without the fuzz. Go ahead and leave the skins for that added skin benefit when making pies, cobblers and fresh fruit salads, etc.

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