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History

A nectarine is a mutant version of the peach. Nectarines are genetically identical to peaches except they have a recessive gene that makes them smooth and fuzzless. The nectarine is also a member of the “Family of Flowering Plants” (Rosaceae; Rose, Peach, Apple, Pear, Strawberry family). They are in the same family as the Rose, but are also related to the Almond. Nectarines, like peaches, were first cultivated in China, and were cultivated in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome. Trade routes took the nectarine through Greece where residents thought nectarine juice was so tantalizing they called it the “drink of gods” or nectar. The word from which nectarine is derived. They were grown in Great Britain in the late 16th or early 17th centuries. Like the peach, it is believed that the Spaniards brought the nectarine to the United States in the 19th century. The modern nectarine industry emerged in California in the 1950’s when fragile older varieties were crossbred with peaches to develop hardier, more flavorful fruit that could be shipped commercially.

Compared to a peach, nectarines generally have more red color in the skin, a rounder shape, smaller size, more sugars, more acids, and a much higher density. There are both white and yellow varieties like the peach.

It's important to note that although nectarines are a mutant version of the peach, that doesn't mean they're "genetically engineered." Genetically engineered foods are grown from plants whose genes were deliberately altered in the laboratory at some point in time. Nectarines are all-natural mutants that originated in China over 2,000 years ago.

Variety

There are many varieties of nectarines available, but basically there are two types, the freestone and clingstone. The “stone” is the pit in the middle of the peach. In Freestones types, the flesh separates readily from the pit. In the clingstone type, the flesh clings tightly to the pit. Early season varieties are generally clingstone. In June and July, freestone varieties are available, and then nectarines revert to clingstone for the rest of the season.

Nectarine flesh may be either yellow or white. Freestone types are usually preferred for eating fresh or for freezing, while clingstone types are used primarily for canning. Until 1940, nectarines had a white flesh and excellent flavor, but they were small and very fragile. Their shelf life was also very short, so they remained a local delicacy. Then in the early 1940’s new varieties were developed which were heartier (yet still flavorful) and could with stand shipping. Today there are over a 100 varieties and nectarine production within California now equals peach production. Some of the more popular varieties of which are Summer Bright, Spring Bright, August Red and September Red.

Locally Grown

Today, California grows over 95% of the nectarines produced in the United States. Fruit Patch will ship a large amount of this volume peaking around 1.6 Million boxes. Nectarines are cultivated the same as peaches from tree, with long, narrow leaves, which have a finely serrated edges. Its flowers can vary from deep rose-pink to almost white. Like all other stone fruit trees, they prefer warm dry weather and cool nights, and thrive in Class 1 soil, which is defined as deep, fine-sandy loam with good internal drainage. For 2004 Variety Availability, please click here.

Season & AvailabilityNectarines start arriving in early May with the Mayfire variety. The San Joaquin Valley climate produces an ideal environment for nectarine trees, which require a cold dormant period followed by a warm growing season. As with all stone fruits, as the season progresses, the fruit size become lager, reaching peak size in August. The season peaks in July and August and trails off into October.

Nutrition Like the peach, the nectarine sweetness comes from its natural sugar content. Each piece contains a good amount of fiber as well as being high in vitamins A, E, and C, and all for less than 70 calories. One medium sized nectarine also contains 16 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of dietary fiber. Nectarines are also a decent source of potassium. Fruit Patch nectarines lend themselves well to a variety of dishes. Nectarines can be eaten out of hand just like peaches, and can be used in any way you would peaches. Detailed nutritional information can be found by searching the USDA Nutritional Database. Enter “nectarine” (no quotes) as the keyword and select the link and report of interests.

Did You Know? Nectarines can be used in any recipe that calls for peaches. For a real splash, try nectarines sliced on cereal instead of bananas.

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