NECTARINES BENEFITS
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Commonly showcased side by side with peaches, nectarines are a similar, but yet different fruit.
The best way to identify the difference between a nectarine and peach is by the lack of fuzz on
the nectarine.

Nectarines, like peaches, most likely originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and were
cultivated in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome. They were grown in Great Britain in the late 16th
or early 17th centuries, and were introduced to America by the Spanish. Today, California grows
over 95% of the nectarines produced in the United States.

Nectarines are smaller and smooth skinned golden yellow with large blushes of red. Their yellow
flesh has a noticeable pink tinge, with a distinct aroma and a more pronounced flavor. There are
more than 100 varieties of nectarine, in freestone and clingstone varieties. In freestone types the
flesh separates from the 'pit' easily, while clingstone types cling to the 'pit.' Nectarines are more
delicate than peaches and bruise very easily.

Nectarines are a good source of vitamin C and low in calories with no sodium or cholesterol.

Nectarine
Serving Size (140g)
Amounts Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 70
Calories from Fat 5
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 12g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 4%
Vitamin C 15%
Calcium 0%
Iron 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ripe fruit are fragrant and give, slightly, to the touch. If they are a under-ripe, leave them at room
temperature for 2-3 days to ripen. Look for fruit with smooth unblemished skin. Avoid extremely
hard or dull colored fruits and soft fruit with soft, wrinkled, punctured skin.

Storage
Nectarines keep for 5 days if stored in a plastic bag in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

Preparation
Nectarines can be used and prepared in the same ways as peaches, with no need to peel
because they have no fuzz. Leave the skins on when making pies, cobblers and fresh fruit
salads, etc.

Availability

California nectarines are available from late April and to late August. Almost all of the nectarines
available are in California. Chiliean Nectarines are available from late December through early
March.
Eat 5 to 9 A Day LogoMake Nectarines Part of Your 5 A Day Plan

* Bake peeled, halved, pitted fruit, cut-side up in a baking pan sprinkled with honey and
cinnamon and cooked until tender.
* Grilled nectarines are a wonderful tasty treat! Be sure to brush the fruit with fruit juices and
cook until it is heated through.
* Poached nectarines in fruit juice or wine and cook until tenderÂ…a simple, elegant way to end a
meal.
* Nectarines make a good substitute in any recipe that calls for peaches or apricots.
* Puree ripe nectarines with skim milk, non-fat yogurt, or orange juice for a tasty breakfast treat.
* Serve pancakes, waffles, or French toast with sliced or chopped nectarines.
* Add cut up nectarines to your favorite fruit salad.
* Serve baked nectarines with baked chicken or ham as delicious side dish.



SOURCE  CDC Online Publication
Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
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