Written by Melanie Reese: Dietetic Intern at Mackenthun’s

California Peaches and Nectarines are only $2.99 per pound (about $.90 per piece of fruit) and are your Dietitian’s Choice from August 26th to September 1st. 

What is the difference between a peach and a nectarine?

Peaches and nectarines are stone fruits that are closely related. Nectarines are actually a type of peach! They are similar in shape, size, and taste, but nectarines have a smooth skin instead of the fuzzy skin of peaches.

Where do peaches and nectarines come from?

Peaches originated in China over 2.000 years ago and were brought to the United States in the 1800s. Peaches are commercially produced in 20 states and while many people assume most peaches come from Georgia, the top four producing states are California, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. While it is possible to grow peaches in Minnesota, it can be very tricky. Most of the peaches and nectarines sold at Mackenthun’s come from California and Colorado. 

Peaches and Nectarines are in season through the summer, generally May through late September.

How to tell peaches and nectarines are ripe?

Scent – a strong, peachy aroma means it is ripe!
Touch – soft to the touch, not hard is a sign of a juicy peach.
Skin – some wrinkles around the stem is a good sign of ripeness!
Color – the yellow and red coloring on peaches is from sun exposure and does not affect taste! Avoid any with green or brown spots.

Nutrition Facts

Peaches and nectarines are low in calories and are full of vitamins, minerals, and health promoting components like fiber and vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for healing and helps form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen in bones. 

What is the best way to store peaches and nectarines?

Peaches and nectarines are best stored in a dry, room temperature area, like on the counter or table. It is best to keep them spread out a bit and not piled on each other. They will also get ripe very quickly if stored next to a banana. Once they are fully ripe you can store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh until you are ready to eat them.

Recipes

Peaches and nectarines are wonderful to eat fresh, but there are so many great recipes to try them in! Try grilling nectarines and adding them to salads! Peaches are also great for cooking, like making pies, jams, salsas, and this breakfast peach oatmeal bake.

Peach Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Recipe adapted from Kids Eat in Color, Morgan McGhee MPH, RD

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbs. butter for greasing
  • 2 cups milk (W*)
  • 1 egg (W)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  •  cups oats (W)
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 cup sliced fresh or canned peaches (W)
  • 1 cup plain or Greek yogurt optional, for serving (W)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix oats, salt, cinnamon and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, honey and vanilla.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, then add peaches. (Note: If using canned peaches, be sure to drain before adding.)
  5. Pour entire mixture into a greased baking dish and spread out evenly.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown on top.
  7. To serve, divide between 4 bowls and top with yogurt.

*Items with a “W” are WIC-eligible items.