Nectarines
About: Nectarines belong to the same family as peaches. Commonly referred to as "the love child of peaches and plums", nectarines have a texture similar to a plum and an appearance close to a peach. It is not uncommon for a nectarine to grow on a peach tree!
John Keats certainly loved nectarines: "...I was writing with one hand, and with the other holding to my Mouth a Nectarine -- how good, how fine. It went down all pulpy, slushy, oozy, all its delicious embonpoint melted down my throat like a large, beatified Strawberry."
Nutritional Information: Nectarines are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. They are a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C.
Storage: Store unripe nectarines in paper bag until ripe, then store at room temperature for use within 2-3 days.
Tips: Nectarines, unlike peaches, do not have to be peeled before consuming. However, if you want to peel them, blanch them first by dropping them into boiling water for a minute, then cool them in ice water. The skins will slip off easily. Cooking softens nectarines and enhances their sweetness.
QuickFix: Mix small slices of nectarine with yogurt or use them for a topping on frozen yogurt or ice cream.
Recipes: Nectarine Cobbler, Caramelized Nectarines, Roasted Peppers with Nectarines, Grilled Chicken with Nectarines