How to Properly Wash, Slice, and Enjoy Sweet Juicy Nectarines

A Sweet and Juicy Fruit For the Summer

As summer approaches, nectarines start coming into season. These sweet and juicy stone fruits are a delicious snack or addition to summer recipes. But before taking a bite, it's helpful to know the proper way to eat a nectarine.

Choosing Ripe Nectarines

The first step is picking out ripe, ready-to-eat nectarines at the grocery store or farmers market. Here are some tips for finding the best nectarines:

Look for nectarines that are bright orange or red-orange in color. Green nectarines are underripe.
Gently press on the nectarine. It should give slightly but not be overly soft.
Avoid nectarines with bruises, dents, or spots.
Smell the nectarine. It should have a sweet, peachy aroma.

Washing Nectarines

Before eating them, nectarines should be thoroughly washed to remove any dirt, chemicals, or bacteria that may be on the surface. Here's the best way to clean nectarines:

Rinse nectarines under cool running water.
Gently rub each nectarine with your hands or a vegetable brush to help dislodge dirt and residues.
Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Cutting Techniques for Eating Nectarines

Once washed, nectarines can be enjoyed whole or cut into slices, cubes, or wedges. Choose the cutting method based on how you plan to eat them.

Eating Nectarines Whole

If eating nectarines fresh and whole:

Hold the nectarine gently in your palm.
Take a small test bite to judge ripeness and flavor.
If ripe, take a larger bite, turning the nectarine as you go.
Keep the skin away from your lips to avoid irritation.
Discard the pit into the garbage, not by spitting into a napkin which can transmit bacteria.

Slicing Nectarines

To slice nectarines for fruit salads or easy snacking:

Place a rinsed nectarine on a clean cutting board.
Carefully cut downwards around the perimeter to remove the skin.
Slice the fruit in half around the pit.
Twist apart the halves and discard the pit.
Make vertical and horizontal slices of desired thickness in the fruit flesh.

Dicing or Cubing Nectarines

For adding to yogurts, oatmeal, or mixing into recipes, dice or cube nectarines:

After slicing a peeled nectarine in half, slice narrow strips in the flesh without cutting through the skin.
Turn the nectarine 90 degrees and repeat, creating a diced effect.
If desired, further cube the nectarine by making horizontal slices through the diced fruit.

Storing Cut Nectarines

Exposed nectarine flesh will start to oxidize and lose quality fairly quickly. Follow these storage tips after cutting open and slicing nectarines:

Place cut nectarines in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
If storing longer than a few hours, sprinkle with lemon or orange juice to prevent browning.
Lightly cover cut fruit with plastic wrap directly touching the surface.
Enjoy sliced nectarines promptly for best texture and flavor.

Freezing Nectarines

For longer storage, nectarines can be frozen either whole or in slices. To freeze:

Rinse fresh ripe nectarines and peel if desired.
Cut in half, remove pit, and slice according to recipe if not freezing whole.
Arrange slices or halves in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Transfer nectarine pieces to an airtight freezer container or bag.

Frozen nectarines will keep for 6-12 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before eating or using in recipes.

Enjoying Nectarines

After following the proper storage, slicing, and eating techniques, youre ready to enjoy nectarines! Try them:

Fresh out of hand for a sweet snack
In fruit or green salads
Grilled, baked into tarts or galettes
As a topping on yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream

Choose slightly underripe nectarines if you dont plan to eat them right away. But for the ultimate sweet juicy flavor and texture, select ripe nectarines and enjoy their fresh summer goodness as soon as possible!

FAQs

How can you tell if a nectarine is ripe?

A ripe nectarine will have bright orange or red-orange skin, give slightly when gently pressed, and smell sweet and peachy. Avoid nectarines with any bruising, soft spots, or dents.

Can you eat nectarine skins?

Nectarine skins are edible, but some find them unpleasantly bitter or tough. Peeling nectarines is optional - many enjoy them unpeeled. But peel if the skin will not be cooked, as heat softens skins.

How should you store sliced nectarines?

Place cut nectarines in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To prevent browning, sprinkle lemon or orange juice over the fruit and lightly press plastic wrap onto the surface.

Can you freeze nectarines?

Yes, nectarines can be frozen whole or sliced for 6-12 months. Rinse and peel nectarines if desired, then slice or leave whole. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze solid before transferring to bags.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.