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Stone fruit season is here and nothing beats biting into a juicy, sun-ripened peach on a warm day. Stone fruit, also called drupes, get their name from the pit or stone found in the center of the fleshy fruit. This pit contains a single large seed, which can be “clingstone” or “freestone” depending on how hard or easy it is to pull the flesh away from the seed. Most stone fruit is picked at their peak, rather than ripening the fruit after harvest, which makes them highly seasonal and available for a limited time. You can find stone fruit typically May through October, but peak season is June through late September, depending on the variety. Here’s a little more about the varieties we’ll be offering throughout the season: Apricots: California apricots are the first stone fruit to arrive this season, but they’re also some of the first stone fruit to go, typically lasting until July. California produces more than 90% of the nation’s commercially grown apricots. Get them while you can! Cherries The California cherry season runs from May until August. As the season progresses, cherries are sourced from up the coast in Washington. We expect this year’s crop to be of good quality and supply. We love the Bing cherries, which are deep red and naturally sweet! Peaches and Nectarines: Peaches and nectarines will hit the scene by mid-late May, and we typically source from farms in the Central Valley. White peaches and nectarines are on the sweeter side with less acid than their yellow counterparts. Yellow peaches and nectarines are sweet and tangy with an acidic twist. Nectarines are typically ready to eat as soon as you receive them, but you may need to let peaches ripen a bit before eating; you can tell if they’re ready to eat by their skin color (a green tint means “wait” in this case), and the flesh will have a little “give” when squeezed. Just don’t squeeze too hard or you’ll bruise it! Share on Twitter Share on Facebook 3065.jpg Nectarines, cherries, mangoes, apricots, peaches and plums all fall under the name “stone fruits.” That’s because they contain large hard seeds (relative to the size of their fruit). Feel free to call them by whatever name you please. I like to call them delicious, nutritious and beautifully versatile! Right now is the best time to enjoy stone fruits because they’re native to warm climates and are at their peak from June through September.Stone fruits can be grilled, sautéed, poached, baked, broiled and glazed, adding extra dimension to a wonderful meal. This Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Peaches is simply perfect for summertime backyard dining. Buffalo Mozzarella with Balsamic Glazed Plums, Pine Nuts and Mint is made with fresh purple plums gently poached in a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Pork Chops with Cherry Mustard Sauce is made with either fresh or dried cherries deglazed in white wine. Whether fresh or cooked, stone fruits are mostly interchangeable in recipes, so feel free to experiment and have fun. Here are my tips and ideas, plus more recipes:
Mangoes
Nectarines Plums What’s your favorite stone fruit? Got a good tip or recipe? Let me know.
Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, there are a variety of fruits that come into season during every time of year. The key is knowing when seasonal fruits are available month by month, so you’ll always be prepared to get them at their peak flavor and best price. This is also something to consider if you are planning a backyard orchard. In order to harvest fruit across the seasons, choose trees and varieties that ripen at different times throughout the year. You’ll have fruit year round if you plan properly for seasonal food. What Fruits are in Season in Spring?March, April, May. Spring is when we can start to indulge in early fruit crops after a winter of limited options. You’ll see some citrus, berries, and apricots hitting their peak during this time of year.
Seasonal Fruits for SummerJune, July, August. Summertime is when most berries come into their own, as well as stone fruits and melons. It’s the best time of year to enjoy fresh fruit at an excellent price.
Ready to grow fresh greens, no matter WHERE you live? Sign up for my Get the Guide! What’s in Season in the Fall?September, October, November. As the frost sets in, some fruits go out of season as others come into their peak.
Seasonal Fruits for WinterDecember, January, February. It’s generally assumed winter is the worst season for fresh fruit, but that’s not necessarily true. Several favorite fruits are actually at their best in the winter months.
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