{"id":42076,"date":"2023-05-30T14:53:48","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T14:53:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.halegroves.com\/blog\/?p=42076"},"modified":"2023-07-18T19:29:34","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T19:29:34","slug":"new-farm-fresh-nectarines-from-hale-groves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.halegroves.com\/blog\/new-farm-fresh-nectarines-from-hale-groves\/","title":{"rendered":"NEW: Farm Fresh Nectarines from Hale Groves!"},"content":{"rendered":"

We at Hale Groves are very excited to bring a new summer fruit to our lineup: Farm-Fresh Nectarines<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Nectarines<\/a> (like peaches<\/a>, cherries<\/a>, plums<\/a> and apricots<\/a>) are what\u2019s known as a \u201cdrupe\u201d or \u201cstone\u201d fruit. Stone fruits, which are fleshy, are so-called because they have a \u201cstone\u201d or pit at their center which houses the fruit\u2019s seed.<\/p>\n

Here are some other facts about nectarines:<\/p>\n

Exactly what is a Nectarine?<\/h2>\n

At first glance, nectarines<\/a> may look identical to peaches, only with smooth skins instead of downy ones. In truth, peaches and nectarines are almost exactly the same in terms of genetics. Fresh nectarines are very similar to fresh peaches in terms of size, shape and color (yellow and red). They\u2019re also very similar in how many calories they have per serving and the nutritional benefits they offer. Peaches and nectarines are both fruits in the Rosaceae family, and they\u2019re both summer fruits. They even taste a lot alike \u2013 the only real difference is that a ripe nectarine is slightly more acidic than a ripe peach, giving the flesh a faint citrusy flavor. The flavor difference, along with the fact that peaches have fuzzy skins while nectarine skins are smooth, is due to a natural mutation. In all other ways, the two fruits are identical.<\/p>\n

Can Nectarines be used in recipes that call for peaches?<\/h2>\n

They sure can! As a matter of fact, it\u2019s often easier to use nectarines<\/a> in baking or when making jams or jelly because you don\u2019t have to peel them first. The nectarine\u2019s smooth, thin skin doesn\u2019t toughen the way a peach\u2019s fuzzy skin will when cooked. Leaving the skins on saves you a step when you\u2019re baking with nectarines!<\/p>\n

Are nectarines indigenous to the Americas?<\/h2>\n

No\u2026like many fruits, nectarines<\/a> were first discovered in China. The trees were later brought to Rome, Greece and Persia. This is probably where they got their name, \u201cnectarine.\u201d The Greek gods were said to enjoy a sweet, fragrant drink called nectar; the sweet taste of the fruit led the people of this region to name it after this mythological drink.<\/p>\n

What can nectarines be used for besides snacking?<\/h2>\n

Ever tried grilled peaches? The flesh of a nectarine is a bit firmer than that of a peach, making them even more appropriate for grilling and baking. Nectarines<\/a> are great in a wide variety of recipes as well: try them in salads, smoothies, cobblers or pies. You can also use nectarines in preserves, sweet salsas, chutneys and savory dishes. For a special treat, try adding slices of fresh nectarines to your iced tea!<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best way to store nectarines?<\/h2>\n

Wondering how to store nectarines<\/a>? If you order nectarines from Hale Groves, you should definitely store them in the fridge if you\u2019re not going to eat them fairly soon \u2013 this is because nectarines, like other stone fruits, will continue to ripen at room temperature, meaning they won\u2019t last as long if you store them on the kitchen counter. So, keep them in the fridge until you\u2019re ready to use them!<\/p>\n

Even then, nectarines should be used fairly quickly\u2026unlike our citrus fruits which stay good for weeks in the refrigerator, perfectly ripe nectarines (like you\u2019ll receive from Hale Groves) should be eaten, cooked or preserved as soon as possible. (Ours are so delicious we don\u2019t think you\u2019ll find using them up to be a problem!)<\/p>\n

Are nectarines good for you?<\/h2>\n

They are indeed! In fact, nectarines<\/a> make a wonderfully healthy snack. Here are some of the nutrients that add to the health benefits of nectarines:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Vitamin C.<\/em> Citrus fruits aren\u2019t the only great source of vitamin C \u2013 nectarines<\/a> are rich in this antioxidant, too. Vitamin C helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
\n\u2022 Vitamin A.<\/em> Nectarines are high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene (which gives nectarines their signature red-and-yellow coloring) is converted by our bodies into vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital to the immune system as well as eye and skin health.
\n\u2022 Vitamin B3<\/em>. The body converts vitamin B3 into niacin, which helps improve blood fat levels, boosts brain function, and may reduce blood pressure.
\n\u2022 Potassium<\/em>. Potassium regulates our heartbeat, keeps our muscles and nerves functioning properly and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.
\n\u2022 Magnesium<\/em>. Magnesium helps us sleep better, improves our mood, boosts our energy levels and increases our mental focus.
\n\u2022 Copper<\/em>. Copper helps our bodies turn sugar into energy.
\n\u2022 Gallic acid<\/em>. Gallic acid is an antioxidant believed to be beneficial in fighting cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
\n\u2022 Folate.<\/em> Another antioxidant, folate is necessary for forming healthy red blood cells.<\/p>\n

Nectarines also contain trace amounts of phosphorus, vitamin K and calcium, all of which support bone health.<\/p>\n

How can you tell if a Nectarine is ripe?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re wondering how to tell if a nectarine is ripe, don\u2019t rely on the color to tell you \u2013 color is not an indicator in this case (so long as there is no green on the fruit\u2019s skin). A ripe nectarine will be fragrant and firm to the touch, yet will give slightly when squeezed gently.<\/p>\n

You won\u2019t have to check for ripeness if you order your nectarines online from Hale Groves, however\u2026ours are always picked at the very peak of ripeness when they\u2019re extra-juicy, extra-sweet, and wonderfully fragrant. They are then carefully packed and rushed to you and your gift recipients so you can enjoy them at their very best!<\/p>\n

What makes Hale Groves Nectarines so special?<\/h2>\n

Grown in sunny California\u2019s San Joaquin Valley, Hale Groves Nectarines<\/a> are a perfect summertime treat. These scarlet-and-gold beauties are unlike any you\u2019ll find in the grocery store because our farmers leave them on the tree until they\u2019ve reached their peak of sweet, succulent flavor. Order some for yourself or for someone you care about\u2026they make a great Father\u2019s Day gift or \u201cjust because\u201d gift for anyone!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We at Hale Groves are very excited to bring a new summer fruit to our lineup: Farm-Fresh Nectarines! Nectarines (like peaches, cherries, plums and apricots) are what\u2019s known as a \u201cdrupe\u201d or \u201cstone\u201d fruit. Stone fruits, which are fleshy, are so-called because they have a \u201cstone\u201d or pit at their center which houses the fruit\u2019s seed. Here are some other facts about nectarines: Exactly what is a Nectarine? At first glance, nectarines may look identical to peaches, only with smooth skins instead of downy ones. In truth, peaches and nectarines are almost exactly the same in terms of genetics. Fresh nectarines are very similar to fresh peaches in terms of size, shape and color (yellow and red). They\u2019re also very similar in how many calories they have per serving and the nutritional benefits they offer. Peaches and nectarines are both fruits in the Rosaceae family, and they\u2019re both summer fruits. They even taste a lot alike \u2013 the only real difference is that a ripe nectarine is slightly more acidic than a ripe peach, giving the flesh a faint citrusy flavor. The flavor difference, along with the fact that peaches have fuzzy skins while nectarine skins are smooth, is due to a natural mutation. In all other ways, the two fruits are identical. Can Nectarines be used in recipes that call for peaches? They sure can! As a matter of fact, it\u2019s often easier to use nectarines in baking or when making jams or jelly because you don\u2019t have to peel them first. The nectarine\u2019s smooth, thin skin doesn\u2019t toughen the way a peach\u2019s fuzzy skin will when cooked. Leaving the skins on saves you a step when you\u2019re baking with nectarines! Are nectarines indigenous to the Americas? No\u2026like many fruits, nectarines were first discovered in China. The trees were later brought to Rome, Greece and Persia. This is probably where they got their name, \u201cnectarine.\u201d The Greek gods were said to enjoy a sweet, fragrant drink called nectar; the sweet taste of the fruit led the people of this region to name it after this mythological drink. What can nectarines be used for besides snacking? Ever tried grilled peaches? The flesh of a nectarine is a bit firmer than that of a peach, making them even more appropriate for grilling and baking. Nectarines are great in a wide variety of recipes as well: try them in salads, smoothies, cobblers or pies. You can also use nectarines in preserves, sweet salsas, chutneys and savory dishes. For a special treat, try adding slices of fresh nectarines to your iced tea! What\u2019s the best way to store nectarines? Wondering how to store nectarines? If you order nectarines from Hale Groves, you should definitely store them in the fridge if you\u2019re not going to eat them fairly soon \u2013 this is because nectarines, like other stone fruits, will continue to ripen at room temperature, meaning they won\u2019t last as long if you store them on the kitchen counter. So, keep them in the fridge until you\u2019re ready to use them! Even then, nectarines should be used fairly quickly\u2026unlike our citrus fruits which stay good for weeks in the refrigerator, perfectly ripe nectarines (like you\u2019ll receive from Hale Groves) should be eaten, cooked or preserved as soon as possible. (Ours are so delicious we don\u2019t think you\u2019ll find using them up to be a problem!) Are nectarines good for you? They are indeed! In fact, nectarines make a wonderfully healthy snack. Here are some of the nutrients that add to the health benefits of nectarines: \u2022 Vitamin C. Citrus fruits aren\u2019t the only great source of vitamin C \u2013 nectarines are rich in this antioxidant, too. Vitamin C helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. \u2022 Vitamin A. Nectarines are high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene (which gives nectarines their signature red-and-yellow coloring) is converted by our bodies into vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital to the immune system as well as eye and skin health. \u2022 Vitamin B3. The body converts vitamin B3 into niacin, which helps improve blood fat levels, boosts brain function, and may reduce blood pressure. \u2022 Potassium. Potassium regulates our heartbeat, keeps our muscles and nerves functioning properly and helps maintain a healthy nervous system. \u2022 Magnesium. Magnesium helps us sleep better, improves our mood, boosts our energy levels and increases our mental focus. \u2022 Copper. Copper helps our bodies turn sugar into energy. \u2022 Gallic acid. Gallic acid is an antioxidant believed to be beneficial in fighting cancer, diabetes, and obesity. \u2022 Folate. Another antioxidant, folate is necessary for forming healthy red blood cells. Nectarines also contain trace amounts of phosphorus, vitamin K and calcium, all of which support bone health. How can you tell if a Nectarine is ripe? If you\u2019re wondering how to tell if a nectarine is ripe, don\u2019t rely on the color to tell you \u2013 color is not an indicator in this case (so long as there is no green on the fruit\u2019s skin). A ripe nectarine will be fragrant and firm to the touch, yet will give slightly when squeezed gently. You won\u2019t have to check for ripeness if you order your nectarines online from Hale Groves, however\u2026ours are always picked at the very peak of ripeness when they\u2019re extra-juicy, extra-sweet, and wonderfully fragrant. They are then carefully packed and rushed to you and your gift recipients so you can enjoy them at their very best! What makes Hale Groves Nectarines so special? Grown in sunny California\u2019s San Joaquin Valley, Hale Groves Nectarines are a perfect summertime treat. These scarlet-and-gold beauties are unlike any you\u2019ll find in the grocery store because our farmers leave them on the tree until they\u2019ve reached their peak of sweet, succulent flavor. Order some for yourself or for someone you care about\u2026they make a great Father\u2019s Day gift or \u201cjust because\u201d gift for anyone!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42077,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[224,214,223,216,215,218,217,220,221,219,222],"class_list":["post-42076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fruit-facts","tag-farm-fresh-nectarines","tag-fresh-nectarines","tag-health-benefits-of-nectarines","tag-how-to-store-nectarines","tag-how-to-tell-if-a-nectarine-is-ripe","tag-nectarine","tag-nectarines","tag-nectarines-online","tag-order-nectarines","tag-ripe-nectarine","tag-what-is-a-nectarine"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42076","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42076"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42076\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42079,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42076\/revisions\/42079"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42076"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42076"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog2.halegroves.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42076"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}