Friendly Facts About Our Fruit
If you’re in foodservice, you’re welcome here! The California Tree Fruit Agreement provides support, nutrition facts and other information to help foodservice operators give their customers the best eating experience possible. So read on, and learn more about California peaches, plums and nectarines – simple, sweet, nutritious and the perfect complement to today’s active lifestyles!
When are peaches, plums and nectarines in season?
California peaches, plums and nectarines are available from April through October, with a peak season from June through September.
How many varieties of California peaches, plums and nectarines are produced?
California produces more than 600 varieties of peaches, plums and nectarines, each with its own unique flavor, color and harvest timing. Each is harvested for about ten days, so new varieties are always becoming available throughout the season.
What’s the difference between Clingstone, Freestone and Semi-Freestone?
Peach, plum and nectarine varieties can be clingstone, freestone or semi-freestone. In clingstone varieties, the flesh holds fast to the fruit’s pit, while the flesh of freestone varieties is easily separated from the pit. In semi-freestone varieties, the fruit’s flesh easily separates from the pit when the fruit is fully ripened.
As a general rule, early season peaches and nectarines are clingstone, moving to freestone in the peak season. Late season peaches are generally freestone and late season nectarines return to clingstone. Most plum varieties are clingstone.
How should California peaches, plums and nectarines be handled?
Check the fruit upon arrival. If it is ripe and ready-to-eat, it can be refrigerated for several days. Yellow-flesh peaches and nectarines are ripe when the fruit gives to gentle palm pressure and has a fragrant aroma. Summerwhite® white-flesh varieties remain firm and crisp when ripe. Plums become slightly springy and have a fragrant aroma when ripe. If the fruit is not yet ripe, store at room temperature, checking frequently until it reaches the desired ripeness, then refrigerate.
Does the red blush on peaches and nectarines indicate ripeness?
While the red blush is beautiful, it doesn’t indicate ripeness – peaches and nectarines range from mostly yellow to very red when ripe. Instead, look for a uniform yellow background color with no green around the stem.
What makes Summerwhite® peaches and nectarines unique?
Summerwhite® peaches and nectarines are white-flesh varieties which are sweet and ready-to-eat even when firm and crisp. They should be stored and handled like yellow-flesh fruit, but they do tend to ripen and soften more quickly.
What is the nutritional value of peaches, plums and nectarines?
California peaches, plums and nectarines are fat- and sodium-free, good sources of vitamin C, and also contain fiber.