Nectarine Harvest

Our nectarine harvest started last week.  It took us by surprise actually.  John was walking by the tree and noticed a few on the ground and so felt them - and they were soft and ripe!  We have two nectarine trees and this first one yields very green nectarines, not the usual white or orange ones.  Apparently, all nectarines used to be green in color but they were cross bred to create the more common cultivars with a more yellowish orange color.   The green color of ours means they don't look ripe, but my, are they juicy and sweet! They are the kind you need to eat over a sink, and free stone too.

But they all come at once, so since that first warm, heated by the sun nectarine, we've been eating a few every day.  That first day I made a lovely nectarine slaw with red and white cabbage, apple and nectarines. The dressing was lime and ginger and then I topped with my home grown red cabbage sprouts. It was delicious.

Since then, I seem to put nectarine in just about every dish I make! Amazing how versatile it is when you have lots of them to use!  Nectarine salsa I think was one of my favorite, after this ginger slaw.

Now we'll have to keep a careful eye on the other tree which tends to ripen just a little bit later. I hope it's not when we are away....

Nectarines are low in calories (about 50cals each)and a good source of vitamins A,B, C & E, lutein and antioxidants.  1 cup of nectarines also supplies 2.4g fiber, 1.5g of protein, plus calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, folic acid, and Vitamin K.

What's your favorite way to enjoy nectarines?