Nectarines are very close relatives of the peach, and in the past have been called Persian Plum. Inherently, nectarines are a variety of peaches with smooth skins, native to China. Nectarines are a group of peach varieties and the fruits have no lint.
Became known in Europe at the time of the late Renaissance when sailors began to carry them to different countries. In America and eastern countries, nectarines are known from about 2000 years ago.
Nectarines possess a rich aroma and great taste, making them a favourite fruit of many. The taste is richer than that of the peach. Their name comes from the Greek word "nectar." Nectarines are one of the most delicious, fragrant and juicy summer fruits. Extremely useful and rich in vitamins, they have deserved a place in the summer menu.
Composition of nectarines
Nectarines contain no cholesterol and sodium are very low in fat. They contain more phosphorus and potassium than peaches, are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, folic acid, and vegetable fibers.
About 140 g of nectarines contains 1 gram of fat, 16 g carbohydrates, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 1 g protein, 10% vitamin C, 20% vitamin A.
Selection and storage of nectarines
Choose fruit with a creamy yellow color. Do not buy bruised or sliced nectarines. Note that the purple blush is not a sign of maturity, but simply characteristic of some varieties of nectarines. Ripe nectarines yield to gentle pressure, and are as soft as a ripe peach.
If you bought unripe nectarines place them in a paper pouch and keep them at room temperature. Ventilate them daily. Ripe nectarines are stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Nectarines in cooking
Nectarines are eaten fresh mainly because they have a very fresh and pleasant taste. They don’t have the typical peach lint, which often causes irritation. The absence of this makes them preferred fruits for all.
Nectarines are used for preparing delicious desserts and fruit salads, to decorate cakes and pastries. Add to useful for adding to cereals. Nectarines add exotic flavor to pork and chicken. To do this, when roasting chicken or pork on the grill, add a nectarine, cut in two. In order to not tarnish after cutting, nectarines can be sprinkled with a little lemon juice.
Nectarines are used to make compotes, thanks to which we can enjoy their taste in winter. Nectarines are used in the preparation of delicious juices and nectars, jams and fruit desserts.
Benefits of nectarines
Besides being delicious, these summer fruits carry a number of health benefits. One of the best qualities of nectarines is calming the nervous system. It is due to the high amounts of potassium it has.
Although nectarines have a wonderful sweet flavor, they are low in sugar. They are low calorie, making them suitable product to use with dietary regimes. 3.5 oz (100 g) of nectarines contain only 50 calories, so it can easily be used for diet or detoxing days.
Experts recommend nectarines for cardiovascular problems. Regular consumption of the fruit improves the venous circulation, and the tone of organ walls. Nectarines are considered one of the best gifts of nature to prevent the insidious disease of cancer.
Nectarines protect mucous membranes, skin, eyes and heart from the action of extremely harmful free radicals. Regulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and have a mild laxative effect. Nectarines fully strengthen the immune system, so in the summer months, make the most of them.
The delicious fruits act as a kind of filter of the kidneys, purifying them from unwanted substances. Thanks to the fruit’s acids, nectarines successfully stimulate the appetite.
Some experienced chefs say that fat is digested much better if, before sitting at the table, you eat a nectarine. The substances contained in it will improve the performance of the gastric glands.
