How to store peaches and nectarines
Summer stonefruit like peaches and nectarines are sweet, juicy and taste like summer. Grab them from the bowl as a delicious snack or turn them into a fabulous salad or stunning dessert. While they're still ripe for the picking, you're probably asking, how do I store peaches and nectarines to keep them at their peak for longer. We also look at the difference between peaches and nectarines including their nutritional benefits.
What's the difference between peaches and nectarines?
Botanically speaking peaches and nectarines are the same. Sometimes they even grow on the same tree! Peaches are slightly sweeter and have a fuzzier skin, however even in recipes, they are interchangeable. Peaches and nectarines can come either as clingstone or freestone fruits, find out the difference between them here.
How do I store peaches and nectarines?
Peaches and nectarines are usually still firm and crunchy when they arrive at the markets or at your greengrocer. Both fruits are at their optimum eating when they yield slightly to palm pressure. White nectarines are generally sweet even when firm.
- Firm fruit: store them in a cool dry place so that they can ripen slowly. If the temperature is particularly warm – more than 24°C inside, the fruit will ripen more rapidly and can become overripe within 48 hours.
- Ripe fruit: keep them in the fridge if they are ripe and ready to eat.
Are peaches and nectarines good for you?
You bet! If you eat them skin and all, they're a good source of dietary fibre. Plus they are rich in a number of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E. Reports say that just one serving of the fruit has about 15% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
GET THE RECIPE: Mini pavlovas with poached peaches by Summer Stonefruit
Like peaches and cream… these delightfully sweet mini pavs with poached peaches make an easy summer dessert. If you have a few peaches that are getting a little overripe, poaching them is a great way to use them up.
This sweet and savoury salad is so delicious served as a main meal for lunch or as a side to roast pork, roast chicken or even at the Christmas table with roast turkey.
