Summer Ingredient Essential: Nectarines

Nectarines are similar to peaches and plums, combining a sweet and juicy yellow flesh with a smooth skin. Eating nectarines is a great way to include more vitamins and minerals and enjoy natures candy at the same time. Nectarines are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant found in yellow, orange and red colored fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene turns into Vitamin A in the body, which supports healthy eyesight and bone development. Along with Vitamin C, which helps protect the body against free radicals, with more than 2 grams of fiber, and almost 2 grams of protein per 60 calorie medium nectarine, this little fruit is a must addition to your diet.

How do I pick the best nectarines?

Choose your nectarines based on when you think you will be enjoying them. If the answer is immediately, look for ripe nectarines that are firm but yield to gentle pressure. Ripe picks will have a rich red to yellow skin that is smooth and soft. Skip over any fruit that has bruises, soft spots, nicks, cuts or shows signs of molding.

Now, if you plan to enjoy nectarines within the week look for unripened fruit, with a green coloring near the stem. The fruit should be firm and unyielding to pressure. To ripen at home simply place in a paper bag for a few days at room temperature. You may also add an apple to the bag to speed up the process. Once ripe enjoy immediately or refrigerate to stop the ripening process.

What can I make with nectarines?

Nectarines are often enjoyed raw bite for bite. Add sliced fresh nectarines to salads and yogurt for a sweet twist. Nectarines can be used in sweet dishes like cakes and pies. Bake nectarines with polenta, use as a pizza topping with fresh mozzarella and balsamic, make a sorbet, add to a sangria, puree into paletas or grill and top with fresh coconut cream and honey for a sweet dessert. From savory to sweet, nectarines can be used in a variety of dishes.

To prep simply rinse nectarines and pat dry. Cut along the pit lengthwise, then gently twist each piece in opposite directions and pull apart. Remove the pit then slice and dice as needed.

Enjoying ripe nectarines means summer is well underway. Store ripe nectarines at room temperature and enjoy within 1-2 days or refrigerate to keep fresh for up to 5 days. Unripened nectarines should be stored in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days until ripe and ready to eat. To freeze, wash and pat dry nectarines then cut into slices. Place slices on a baking sheet and freeze, then transfer frozen nectarine slices to a freezer safe ziplock bag and enjoy within 1 year. Use frozen nectarines for sangria, cakes, sorbets and smoothies!

Recipes to try include: Peach-a-Rine, Goat Cheese and Jamon Crostini; Agave Grilled Peaches (simply sub in nectarines); Peach Berry Pie.