This month, Freshipes celebrates nectarines, sometimes called the “fuzzless peach.” Our California legislature has declared June 20, 2006 California Nectarine Day, but you can celebrate anywhere you happen to be!
Nectarines originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, and have been known and described by plant experts almost as long as peaches. Peaches and nectarines are close relatives; in fact,
they’re only one gene different – the one that controls the fuzz.
From their origin in China, nectarines are known to have been cultivated in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome, and were introduced to the United States by the Spanish in the 18th century. Though many states grow peaches, California grows 93% of the nectarines produced in the U.S. |
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Nectarine Melba Salad
Summer is a natural for salads, and the combination of two sweet fruits – nectarines and raspberries – with leafy greens and an easy-to-assemble fruit vinaigrette makes this salad a refreshing treat. |
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Ingredients |
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1 |
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(5-oz.) bag mixed greens salad |
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5 |
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green onions, sliced |
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1 |
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California nectarine, pitted and sliced |
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1/4 |
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cup toasted, chopped pecans |
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1 |
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cup fresh raspberries |
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Nectarine Vinaigrette |
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1/2 |
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cup pureed or finely mashed California nectarine (about 1 small nectarine) |
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3 |
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tablespoons extra virgin olive oil |
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2 |
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tablespoons fresh lemon juice |
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1 |
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tablespoon honey |
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1/4 |
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teaspoon salt |
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Freshly ground pepper to taste |
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Preparation
Place the mixed greens, onions, nectarine slices and pecans in a large salad bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad; toss well to coat. Top with raspberries and toss very lightly.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes 6 servings
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