Peach vs. Nectarine: What’s the Difference?
Peach is one of the healthiest fruits to have dessert. It packs various nutrients with a sweet, tangy flavor that is perfect for pies and smoothies. Head to your local farmers market, and you might notice a similar fruit called nectarine. What’s the difference between a peach and a nectarine?
This article will discuss what sets peaches apart from nectarines. Also, we will elaborate on their yellow and white varieties.
Nectarine vs. Peach
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The scientific name of peach is Prunus persica, and Nectarine’s is Prunus persica nucipersica. That means the latter is a type of peach.
Peaches usually have a fine fuzz covering their skins, making them look rough. On the other hand, nectarines have a smooth, almost shiny exterior.
A gene variant causes peaches to have that texture. Meanwhile, nectarines are smooth because they do not have that variant.
Are there easier ways to distinguish between them? Press on a ripe peach, and the fuzzy skin will yield slightly, releasing its distinct aroma.
Meanwhile, the smooth skin of nectarine is firmer. The term “nectar” refers to the sweet fluids from plants.
Consequently, despite their lower sugar content, people say nectarines are sweeter than peaches.
Bite into a peach, and you will taste a straightforward sweet flavor. On the other hand, nectarines tend to have a tangy-sweet flavor.
Types of peaches and nectarines
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Both of these fruits have white and yellow varieties. Yellow peaches have a tartness that decreases as the peach ripens, producing an intense flavor.
On the other hand, white peaches have less acidity and a delicate, floral sweetness. Moreover, yellow nectarines have a more complex flavor profile than white ones.
You may also choose peaches and nectarines based on their required amount of winter chill. For example, the Challenger peach needs 850 hours of chill to produce medium, great-tasting fruit.
Cresthaven needs 850 hours of chill and yields large fruit with golden-and-red skin. Madison requires the same amount of winter chill, but it produces yellow skin with a bright red.
Southern Rose is a dwarf peach that needs 300 hours of chill and yields medium-sized pink-and-yellow fruit.
The types of nectarines also need winter chill to grow. For example, Fantasia produces large, beautiful flowers and red-and-yellow fruit.
Redgold needs 850 hours of chill to produce bold red fruit with great flavor. Meanwhile, Sunraycer comes from Florida that bears large red-and-yellow fruit after 250 hours of chill.
Their trees bloom in the spring and produce fruit between May and September. However, some varieties are only available during the peak season of July and August.
Aside from selecting yellow or white, you may classify peaches and nectarines as stone fruits. The “stone” refers to the large seed in the middle.
Three types of stone fruits are clingstone, freestone, and semi-freestone. As the name suggests, clingstone means the flesh holds on to the pit.
In contrast, seeds easily pull away from freestone fruits. Semi-freestone means it is easier to remove the pit as the fruit ripens.
How do you cook peaches and nectarines?
Photo Credit: www.bonappetit.com
These fruits have similar tastes and textures, so they have similar recipes. For example, you may toss them into your next salad.
You could also add a few chunks along with oats and milk for a delicious breakfast. Also, you may crush peaches and nectarines into jam.
To top your meal off, you may blend it into a refreshing smoothie. Also, peaches and nectarines may be an alternative to avocados in tostadas.
These fruits may also work as lunch. For example, you may turn them into pizza toppings or use them as a marinade for grilled meats.
Of course, these sweet fruits are perfect for desserts. You could add them to vanilla ice cream or a refrigerator cake.
It is a no-bake dessert with layers of fruit, cream, and graham crackers. Ref cake is also a popular mango recipe in the Philippines.
You may also turn peaches and nectarines into pies or mix them into cocktails. Even better, they are good on their own!
Conclusion
A unique genetic mutation sets nectarines apart from peaches. As a result, they typically have smoother skins and a more delicate taste.
Yet, they are great for most dishes and desserts. You might want to try their recipes the next time you need a tasty and healthy meal or snack.
Follow Inquirer USA for other great recipes for apricots and other fruits. Also, it is a great source of the latest news and updates.
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