Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Current Facts
Nectarines, botanical name, Prunus persica nucipersica, are a stone fruit and species within the genus, Prunus, alongside cherries, apricots, plums and almonds. Donut nectarines are the result of a natural mutation of a flattened peach variety. The name 'Donut' is a trade name utilized for marketing purposes, designated to a flattened white nectarine variety that is of the same lineage as other flattened nectarines. They are classified as a clingstone fruit, referring to the fruit's pit clinging to its flesh. Non-clinging varieties are known as freestone. Other common names for the Donut nectarine are Saucer and Saturn and it is often referred to as Platerinas nectarina in Europe, specifically Spain.
Description/Taste
Donut nectarines are distinguished by their shape, their fuzz-free skin and the fruits' sub acid, high sugar content. Their shape is roughly rounded and squat with a sunken center at its stem end. The fruit's skin is thin and flushed with tones of rouge, ivory and rose. When ripe, the creamy flesh is perfumed with confectionery aromatics, extremely juicy and tender-firm with a delicate melting quality. Its flavor has a rich syrup-like sweetness, unmatched by other white nectarine and peach varieties.
Applications
Donut nectraines are suitable to be used in any recipe calling for nectarines or white peaches. They are best for eating fresh out of hand, yet they can also be poached, grilled, made into a compote, syrup, jelly and infused into drinks or added to dessert recipes such as cakes, pies and ice cream. Donut nectarines pair well with other stone fruit such as apricots, cherries and almonds, citrus, berries, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, cream and custards. Savory companions include herbs such as basil, cilantro and arugula, hazelnut and pistachio nuts and oil, aged cheeses such as manchego and mild cheeses such as ricotta and burrata, sausages, pork belly and grilled fish. Donut nectarines have a short shelf-life and should be consumed within a week of harvest. The fruit can be preserved by freezing in an air-tight container or canning in syrup.
Geography/History
Donut nectarines are descendants of Flat peach varieties. Flat peaches are native to China and have been cultivated since 200 B.C. Silk Road trade routes carried Flat peach varieties to the Western world during the 15th century. Donut nectarines have emerged as a commercial nectarine variety only since the late 20th. The emergence of Flat nectarines in the global market is a response to consumer's palate for low-acid white-fleshed fruit, which has been favored for centuries in Asia. Flat nectarines are now grown in North America, Europe, Africa and Australia.
