Benefits of Eating Certified Organic Nectarines

Posted on November 30, 2006 by Sarmaad
Now is the time to enjoy the beautiful sweet flavour of nectarines!

Nectarines are closely related to the peach but while they have the juicy peach-coloured flesh they do not have the furry skin of peaches. Their skin is a smooth red colour with a yellow to pale yellow background. The flesh can vary from almost white, yellow to almost red. In the middle they have a pointed egg-shaped seed which can either be easily removed (freestone variety) or be a little more difficult to remove (clingstone variety). Some people are of the opinion that the nectarine is more flavoursome than the peach.

Lets take a look at some of the -
Nectarines are low in calories and are naturally fat free - any fruit that has less than 0.5 grams of fat is considered to be "naturally fat free".
Nectarines are also naturally cholesterol free - any fruit that has then than 2 milligrams of cholesterol are considred to be "naturally cholesterol free".
Nectarines are a great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
Nectarines are also a great source of antioxidants which can help protect the skin from damaging UV rays by counteracting free radical activity.
They are a good source of Vitamin A, beta carotene and potassium.How to Select and Store Nectarines
Select fruit that is fragrant, brightly coloured with smooth, glossy skin and gives slightly when touched. Nectarines have yellow skin with a red blush. This red blush relates to the variety and is not indicative of it's ripeness. Do not select fruit that has bruises, blemishes or that is hard or green.
Unripe nectarines should be stored in a paper bag in a cool place for up to two days. Ripe nectarines are best stored in the refrigerator crisper/drawer away from vegetables - store for between 3-5 days.
Nectarines can be eaten raw, cooked, dried, candied or jellied. They are delicious with icecream or yoghurt as well as in cakes or pies.
An interesting fact about Nectarines is that they found there way to the western world from China and, even more interesting, they are symbolic of long life!
A Simple but Delicious:

Nectarine Dessert

Nectarines - white or yellow fleshed, whichever you prefer
brown sugar
cinnamon

Cut nectarines in half, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon and grill until they are warm and the sugar has caramalised. Serve with icecream.
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