Stone Fruit Season

Apricots, peaches, plums, and nectarines—oh my!

by Brian Carter, Director of Produce

Perfectly ripe stone fruits have got to be one of summer’s greatest delights. Stone fruit season at Mollie Stone’s is one of my favorite times of the year. No matter what your favorite is among apricots, peaches, plums, and nectarines, the season is short, so here are my pointers for how to incorporate stone fruits into your favorite summer dishes, as well as some tips to pick the perfect fruit all season long.

What is a stone fruit?

A stone fruit is a term that represents the stone-like covering that protects the single large seed inside each one of these summer treats. This center pit also helps the fruit itself during the growing process, providing a passage point for nutrients from the tree. Stone fruits are members of the large rose family.

Peaches

Peaches come in various shapes and colors. Traditional peaches are either white or yellow on the inside and are usually about the size of a baseball. White peaches tend to be on the sweeter side. The yellow peach, while also sweet, offers a nice tang and acidity. There is also the donut or Saturn peach, which is flatter in appearance and often said to have a more complex flavor than the standard peach. For all peaches, the scent is key. You want to look for a sweet and inviting scent, which indicates ripeness.

Uses: This sweet treat is perfect for any summer baked good. There are so many ways to enjoy this fruit, from classic peach cobbler or preserved in jam form to enjoy all season long. One of my favorites is to slice them fresh over a salad that has arugula; the sweetness from the peach and the sharp flavor of the greens creates the perfect flavor combination.

Apricots

Did you know that about 90% of our domestic apricot crop grows right here in California? Apricots range from a pale orange to a deep sa ron color and often have a reddish hue. They have a light fuzz on the skin and are about the size of a golf ball. These delightfully bright fruits can only ripen when attached to the tree. After being harvested, they will only get softer in texture, but the flavor will not change. Like most stone fruits, apricots are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. And, when they are dried, they are also packed with iron.

Uses: Apricots, because of their savory sweet notes, are perfect for the heartier dishes of summer such as a sauce for pork chops. Or, for a quick and light dessert, halve, remove the pit, broil or grill, then top with some crème fraîche.

Nectarines

Nectarine skin is a fantastic mix of ruby, crimson, and orange colors. The skin is also unique because it is glossy and smooth compared to the often-fuzzy skin associated with peaches and apricots. When looking for the perfect nectarine, it’s key to look at the color at the base of the fruit. The color you will want to look for here is a yellow or golden hue, which means this fruit will have the best flavor.

Uses: Nectarines, with their notes of honey, are the perfect addition to a summer favorite—ice cream. Additionally, they can be great when used alongside more savory flavors, such as incorporated into salsa.