All about peaches, plums, and nectarines

Posted on August 15th, 2023

Peaches, Plums & Nectarines at Robért Fresh Market

Sweet summer produce can make the heat a bit more bearable. Eaten chilled and out-of-hand, peaches, plums and nectarines are a perfect way to stay cool and in-season. But that’s not the only way to enjoy these summertime fruits.

CHOOSE WISELY: Ripe peaches, plums, and nectarines should give slightly when squeezed. Plums should be richly colored with no brown spots. Peaches and nectarines should be wrinkle-free and contain no green areas.

STORAGE: If you have fruit that needs to complete the ripening process, store them stem-side down on a countertop. Once ripe, store peaches and nectarines unwashed in a plastic bag, and place in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that ripe plums have dull skins.

HOW LONG THEY’LL STAY FRESH: Ripe plums and yellow peaches will last in the refrigerator for three to five days. Nectarines and white peaches ripen more quickly and should be refrigerated for only one day.

COOK WITH THEM! Peach cobbler immediately comes to mind, but these summer favorites can be used in a variety of dishes. Sauté them as part of a sweet and savory sauce to go with pork chops. Chop them up to use in a fresh summer salad in addition to chopped greens, nuts, and feta cheese. Roast them in the oven with a light coating of brown sugar as an ice cream topping, and much more!

lagniappe | August 15th, 2023