Nectarines from Shaw Orchards

Most people are familiar with peaches, but many have never encountered the peaches' first cousin: the nectarine.
Nectarines are very similar to peaches, but have no fuzz, show a deeper red, and have a more intense flavor. They also tend to be a little more delicate than peaches, bruising if handled roughly.
The nectarine originated in the Far East, in either China or Central Asia. They have been cultivated in Persia for over a thousand years, and came to America by way of the Spanish. Nectarines can be grown in the same climate as peaches; in fact, it is nearly impossible to tell a nectarine tree from a peach tree until the fruit begins to grow.
Shaw Orchards has grown nectarines for years, and is pleased to present some of the best tasting varieties available, including white nectarines - a true gourmet delight.

When selecting a nectarine, use the same criteria as a peach:

• make sure the fruit is fresh - like berries and peaches, nectarines get most of their flavor in the last week before they begin to soften. If your nectarine (or peach) has been picked for weeks before it begins to soften, you can be sure it won't taste great.
  
• select fruit that is beginning to soften at its top or bottom - assuming you plan to eat your fruit soon (1 to 3 days), this is the first indication that the fruit is really ripe. "Tree ripe" fruit - which has been allowed to soften slightly on the tree - is the ultimate way to get great flavor (look for seconds or ask for ripe fruit). A peach or nectarine should never be crunchy; and ideally should leave you wiping juice from your chin.
  
• look for pink or red background - like a peach, a ripe nectarine will have a beautiful yellow pink to red background. Nectarines usually have a much deeper red forecolor than peaches. There should be very little or no green on the fruit.
  
• eat it, or refrigerate it - all fruit continues to ripen after it is picked. Cool temperatures slow this process. So if you buy ripe fruit, it needs to be eaten or refrigerated immediately. If your fruit is 'almost ripe', you should leave it on the counter for a day or two. Generally, first quality nectarines sold at our stand have a few pieces that can be eaten within the next two days, and a few pieces that will last longer.