Nectarine vs. Peach: How Do the Stone Fruits Differ?

Nectarines and peaches are two fruits that are nearly identical to one another. These two yellow- or white-skinned stone fruits come in three varieties: freestone (in which the pit easily falls out), semi-freestone (with the fruit flesh clinging slightly to the pit), and clingstone (with the fruit flesh clinging to the pit). Here are some of the other similarities between these two fruits:

• They’re both stone fruits. Stone fruits are a kind of drupe, or thin-skinned, fleshy fruit containing a single large seed encased within a tough outer shell. They can be clingstone or freestone, fuzzy or smooth, sour or sweet. Stone fruit comes from about fifteen species of the genus Prunus, a member of the rose family. In addition to peaches and nectarines, other types of stone fruits include plums, apricots, and cherries.
• They have similarly colored flesh. The first peaches and nectarines were freestone, white-fleshed fruits that originated in China. Today, nectarines and peaches both have yellow or white flesh. Yellow varieties contain more acid, making them tangier than white varieties, which are sweeter.
• They have similar nutrients. While the exact nutritional levels in each fruit differ slightly, they are both great sources of vitamin A, fiber, calcium, and potassium.
• They have similar uses. Both fruits are popular ingredients when making pies, cobblers, preserves, jams, or tarts. You can even grill nectarines or peaches the same way you would grill vegetables or meats. You should consume peaches and nectarines at room temperature when they taste best.
• They have similar growing habits. Peach trees and nectarine trees are self-fertilizing, so only one is usually needed to produce fruit. Peaches and nectarines ripen along the stem and along their distinctive groove, called a suture.

Nectarines and peaches are nearly identical to one another, which is why they’re often confused for one another. However, there are a few subtle differences between these two popular stone fruits, including:

• Color: Nectarines tend to have a redder skin surrounding the flesh; meanwhile, peaches are generally more yellow and orange with red markings.
• Skin texture: Nectarines are a type of peach, but due to a recessive gene, they have fuzz-free smooth skin. Peaches, on the other hand, have distinct, fuzzy skin.
• Size: Ripe nectarines are often smaller and firmer than ripe peaches, which tend to be larger and slightly less solid.
• Nutritional profile: Peaches and nectarines vary slightly in their nutritional profile. Nectarines contain slightly less sugar than peaches and are also slightly lower in vitamin C and vitamin E. Nectarines also contain fewer carbohydrates and calories than peaches.

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