Whether you are looking for a snack or something to put on your table, you should be able to find a variety of peaches and nectarines that you can enjoy. However, you should be aware that these fruit varieties may be susceptible to pests and mites. So, you will need to take some extra precautions to ensure that you don’t have to worry about these problems.
Donut peaches and nectarines
Donut peaches and nectarines are a fun fruit that will delight you with their sweet taste and unique shape. They are also a great snacking fruit. These fruits are packed with fiber, potassium and vitamin C. This sweet-tart stone fruit can be a great addition to salads, pies and crepes.
If you aren’t familiar with the differences between peaches and nectarines, the first thing you should know is that the two fruits are very closely related. In fact, they are a part of the Rosaceae family. But while they look similar, they have very different flavors and textures.
White-fleshed peaches are typically sweeter and have a high sugar content. Some varieties are more acidic than others. You may notice that some peaches bruise easily. For this reason, it’s important to store them in a paper bag for a longer shelf life.
Flat donut peaches have a smooth skin that has a yellow base. They are also available with apricot or sweet bagel-like skin.
Donut peaches are also known as saucer peaches or Saturns. Like all peaches, donut peaches are prone to bruising. However, they are not as fibrous as other cultivars, which makes them an excellent snacking fruit.
When ripe, donut peaches are soft, juicy, and flavorful. Ripe donut peaches are easy to peel with a finger poke. The pit is about the size of a pistachio nut.
The skin of a donut peach is pale yellow with a small red blush. The flesh is white and tender. It has a smooth texture and a small clingstone pit.
Some people like donut peaches because they remind them of donuts. Others say that donut peaches are superior to regular peaches. That’s because donut peaches have a sweeter flavor.
Donut peaches and nectarines are grown in several places. They are native to China, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.
While they are a delicious snacking fruit, donut peaches and nectarines are often more expensive than traditional round peaches. They are cultivated in warm climates with long summers. Unlike many peaches, they are not genetically modified.
Freestone vs clingstone nectarines
The term “freestone” describes a peach that has flesh that falls easily from the stone. Freestone peaches are typically larger than clingstone peaches. While cling peaches are popular for canning, freestone varieties are often used for baking and eating fresh.
Clingstone peaches are a type of peach with a knotty pit that clings to its flesh. They are also smushy and hard to cut. These are the types of peaches that are commonly found in orchards. However, they are not available at most grocery stores. Instead, they are usually sold at farmers markets.
Freestone peaches are available throughout the growing season, but they are more likely to be available at local markets. Freestone peaches are firmer than cling peaches and their flavor is more subtle. In addition, they are ideal for baking and fruit salad.
Clingstone varieties of peaches are often more sweet and juicier than their freestone counterparts. They are also more easily sliced into even pieces. But cling peaches are a bit more difficult to find in grocery stores.
When buying a peach, ask the grocer whether it is a clingstone or freestone. If the grocer has no idea, look for an orchard or a peach store. A clingstone peach has a knotty pit that must be pried out.
Both types of peaches are part of the rose family. Peaches and nectarines belong to the same genus, Prunus Persica, but there is a distinction between the two.
Clingstone varieties of peaches usually ripen in the early months of the growing season. They are best for baking, canning, and eating out of hand. This makes them a favorite among peach pie makers.
Freestone varieties of peaches ripen in the later months of the growing season. They are easier to prepare and cook, but have less juiciness. Their color ranges from yellow to white and can be sweet or tangy. Many people prefer freestone fruits for their cooking, but some clingstone varieties are considered more tasty.
Freestone strawberries are harvested in late May and are ideal for home canning.
Store ripe nectarines
It is important to store ripe nectarines properly so they do not rot. Leaving nectarines in the fridge for too long can cause the fruit to go moldy. The same applies to leaving them out on the counter for too long.
During the ripening process, the fruit produces a gas called ethylene. This gas speeds up the ripening process. Ethylene has been found to increase the shelf life of ripe nectarines.
Nectarines are a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and potassium. They are also a good source of Vitamin A. When ripe, these fruits will give off a pleasant and fragrant aroma.
Store ripe nectarines in a sealed plastic bag. Plastic bags keep moisture out of the fruit, and ethylene in. Ripe nectarines can last for up to three or four days on the countertop, or up to five days in the fridge.
Nectarines are best stored at room temperature, but they can also be frozen for later use. For example, you can make a fresh jam from them, or freeze them into sorbets.
Alternatively, you can wrap your ripe nectarines in a paper or zip-lock bag. Using a paper bag will help them ripen more quickly. Also, paper bags trap ethylene gas which accelerates the ripening process.
Another way to store nectarines is to place them in a brown bag with an apple. The apple helps speed up the ripening process. If you plan on storing them for a longer period of time, you can also freeze them in an airtight container.
Although it may seem like a simple task, storing nectarines correctly can increase their shelf life. Proper storage can ensure you have fresh nectarines for up to 8 months.
Before storing your ripe nectarines, you need to clean them. Wash them with water to remove debris and dirt that can spoil the fruit. You can also soak them in lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
The best way to store ripe nectarines is in a cool, dry area. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to refrigerate them. Regardless of the method, you should keep them out of direct sunlight.
Pests and mites
The insect and mite pests of peaches and nectarines can cause serious damage to your fruit and flowers. You will need to know what to look for and how to treat the pests before they cause serious damage. Also, make sure you spray your trees at the right times. This will help keep your harvest healthy and prevent problems from crop loss and fungi.
Some common insects and fungi that affect peaches and nectarines are peach tree borer, brown rot, scab, and Japanese beetles. They cause serious damage to the tree, and you may not be able to harvest all of your fruit. To be successful, you should also identify and control the disease that caused the damage.
Peach tree borer larvae can enter the limbs of the tree and burrow into the stem. These insects can cause visible damage to the tree, and can cause your fruit to split or crack. In addition, these bugs are harmful to pollinators.
Brown rot is an especially harmful disease. It can be fatal if not controlled. Symptoms include a yellow, dark, or grayish blotch on the skin of the fruit. Rust spores can be found within the lesion.
Several species of stink bugs can also attack your fruit. The brown marmorated stink bug is particularly problematic. Although they feed on many different types of fruit, they particularly damage peaches. Their two-generation cycle means that they can be a problem all season.
Plant bugs are another serious insect pest of peaches and nectarines. They can be hard to spot, and cause shallow depressions and deformities on the blossoms. They are especially active from the bloom stage until 5 to 10 weeks after the bloom.
To keep your peaches and nectarines free from the bugs and fungi that can damage them, you need to use a registered insecticide. Horticultural oils are another way to control these insects. Apply them before buds break and when temperatures fall below freezing.
Pests and mites of peaches and nectarines should be treated as soon as they appear. If you have a tree that is already infested, removing diseased foliage can help slow down the spread of the problem.
