Nectarine
Prunus persica var. nectarina

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A tree. It is similar to peach. There are about 150 different cultivated varieties of nectarine. The fruit can have stones which cling or which are free. The flesh can be yellow, orange or white. The skin is smooth and slightly oily.

There are about 200 Prunus species. Possibly now Prunus simonii Carriere.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. They suit a deep sandy loam. They need good drainage. They need mild, hot summers and cool to cold winters. It needs between 400-600 hours of cold less than 7°C each year. It suits plant hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tasmania, Turkmenistan, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or cooked. They can be dried or preserved or used as topping on ice cream and cakes or used for jams, marmalades, pies, and fruit salads. They are also used for juice.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

They are normally budded or grafted into peach rootstock.

They will bear in 2-3 years.

Its other names

Local names

Yu-t'ao

Synonyms

Now Prunus persica var. nucipersica