Produce Briefs...
Garlic Flowers
Garlic flowers are essentially the flowering seeds of a garlic plant. They emerge at the tip of the garlic's above-ground stem. The seeds appear once the garlic has reached maturity or if the plant begins to bolt early
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Seasons/Availability
Nectarines are available year-round with a peak season during late spring and summer.
Current Facts
Nectarines are the result of a natural occurring genetic mutation of the peach. Nectarines, botanical name, Prunus persica nucipersica, are a stone fruit and species within the genus, Prunus, alongside cherries, apricots, plums and almonds. There are two types of nectarines: yellow-fleshed and white fleshed. White-fleshed nectarines are typically low or sub-acid while yellow-fleshed nectarines are both sweet and tart.
Description/Taste
The nectarine is a rounded fruit with a single central groove. Its smooth skin is blushed with hues of ruby, pink and gold throughout. The flesh is perfumed with aromatics, overtly juicy when ripe, and golden colored with red bleeds at the skin and surrounding the central rough pit. A ripe nectarine's texture is soft with a melting quality, its flavors balanced with layers both bright and sweet.
Nutritional Value
A nectarine seed is considered highly inedible as it can contain high levels of poisonous hydrogen cyanide. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. The fruit of nectarine has high levels of beta carotene, calcium and vitamin C. Herbalists use the branches and leaves of nectarine trees as a demulcent, for stomach disorders and as a kidney and intestine detoxant.
Applications
Nectarines are suitable to be used in any recipe calling for 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. Nectarines pair well with other stone fruit such as apricots, cherries and almonds, citrus, berries, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, cream and custards. Savory pairings include herbs such as basil, cilantro and arugula, hazelnut and pistachio nuts and oil, aged cheeses such as parmesan and mild cheeses such as ricotta and burrata, sausages, pork belly and grilled fish. The flowers of nectarine trees can be steeped and used to impart flavors in teas.
Geography/History
The definitive origin of nectarines is unknown. Documentation of the first nectarine was recorded in English in 1616. As peaches are native to central Asia, though, there is geographical speculation that the first nectarine was found growing on a peach tree within the same region and trade routes brought it to Europe in the 15th century. Genetic studies have concluded that nectarines are created due to a recessive allele. Without two copies of a gene, specific genetic traits will not be inherited. Thus, the nectarine naturally evolved as a fuzz-free peach. The lack of fuzz contributes to the fruit's brighter colorings and to its ability to bruise more easily. Nectarines still occur as bud mutations on peach trees. The trees' preferred climate is similar to that of the peach. Their growing regions are regulated by the seasons. Only in spring and summer will fruit become ripe. Nectarine trees need rainy winters and hot dry summers. Cultivation occurs in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres which experience opposite summers and winters allowing for year round availability.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| WKM Group (John King) | San Diego CA | 619-255-7107 |
| Brooklyn Girl | San Diego CA | 619-296-4600 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800-843-4661 |
| Lil Piggy's | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Great News Cooking School | San Diego CA | 888-478-2433 |
| Juan Chou | San Diego CA | 619-487-0455 |
| Catalina Resources | San Diego CA | 619-297-9797 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-203-8584 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 760-822-3593 sal |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Amalfi Gourmet LLC | San Diego CA | 619-379-3099 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Table 926 | San Diego CA | 858-539-0926 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Wyndham SD Bayside | San Diego CA | 619-232-3861 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Baking Co. | San Diego CA | 619-819-0911 |
| Heights Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-302-8178 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Alpha Phi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Herringbone | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0221 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Nectarines. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Nectarines using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 33 days ago, 5/17/13 Spotter's comments : Nectarines spotted at Specialty Produce. So excited for stonefruit season - ice cream, pies, jams, out of hand...yum |
