Stone fruit is a summer favorite for many, but what is a stone fruit and what is the difference between a nectarine and a peach? Let's run through some of our most beloved drupes. Stone fruit, by definition, is a fruit that contains only one seed, surrounded by a rind which in turn is surrounded by pulp. The stone fruits are the starting point for the summer and give you a good vitamin supplement in the heat!
Cherries Cherries are nature's pickles, rinse them with water and then just eat them. Rich in vitamin C and potassium, cherries make the perfect snack during the summer months. The season for cherries is relatively short, but luckily it is excellent for making jam, chutney and juice, for example.
Peach About the size of an apple, with a fluffy yellow-red thin skin and juicy flesh, the peach is a versatile drupe. It is filled with vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and vitamin B3 (niacin). Due to the soft flesh, this drupe can easily be damaged, so handle it with care. Peach goes incredibly well with some crunchy trimmings, try a peach melba with chopped nuts. You can also use peach as a topping on a pizza or in a salad with goat cheese, thyme and pine nuts.
Paraguayo
Paraguayo is a flatter peach. It is slightly crunchy and tastes sweet and fresh. Paraguayo releases less juice and is slightly firmer than the traditional peach, making it perfect for taking on summer excursions. Paraguayos can also be used in salads, preferably with fresh herbs and mozzarella.
Nectarine
The nectarine is originally from Asia and is filled with vitamin E. The flesh is juicy and yellow, but unlike peaches, the nectarine is firmer and smoother on the surface. Thanks to the slightly firmer flesh, the nectarine is excellent for grilling. Make a salad with grilled nectarines, mozzarella and basil or eat with vanilla ice cream on a summer evening. The nectarine equivalent of paraguayo is called platerina. The platerina nectarine, like regular nectarines, has a red, smooth skin and is sweet and juicy but flatter in shape.
Plums
Plums come in a variety of colors ranging from yellow, violet, and red to such a dark blue that they are almost seen as black. The soft and juicy flesh varies in taste from slightly sour to very sweet and plums contain a lot of vitamin C. Prunes do very well in thin slices on a breakfast sandwich with cream cheese or a tasty chutney.
