Nectarine properties: benefits and uses in the kitchen

The nectarine is a stone fruit, typical of summer, similar to the peach and with very interesting nutritional properties, since it provides us with carotenoids; fiber and vitamin C. In addition, its caloric content is very low, making it a great option to consume during these months. Do you want to discover more properties of the nectarine? We tell you below.

Origin of the nectarine 

The first nectarines were cultivated in China and their name derives from the Greek word nectar which means drink of the gods. It was said that the nectarine was a mixture of the peach and the plum, but this is not true, the nectarine is a variety of the peach that comes from a mutation of the peach trees themselves that, in many cases, is achieved by grafting.

Types of nectarines 

There are several varieties of nectarine, although all of them are characterized by having a sweet flavor, as well as a little acid. Currently, we can classify the nectarine into two groups: nectarines with white pulp and nectarines with yellow or orange pulp, all of them with different varieties.

• White-fleshed nectarines: they are fundamentally characterized by their external appearance, since the pigmentation of their skin is made up of garnet-red brushstrokes on a whitish or greenish background. In addition, its skin is smooth and does not have fluff. Its pulp is fleshy and whitish, but it may have a certain red color attached to its seed. The flavor of the nectarine is usually very sweet, although with acid tones if it is not very ripe. On the other hand, the texture of its pulp is very juicy and dissolves easily in the mouth.

• Yellow-fleshed nectarines: they are characterized by their external appearance, since the pigmentation of their skin is made up of garnet-red brush strokes on a yellowish background. Like the white-fleshed nectarine, its skin is smooth, shiny and fluff-free. Unlike other types of nectarines, the flesh of yellow-fleshed nectarines is slightly firmer and has a more acidic flavor than peaches.

How to choose a nectarine properly 

The nectarine is a very fragile fruit, so when choosing them, you should choose specimens with smooth and shiny skin that are firm, although slightly flexible to the touch, but... Be careful! excessive hardness may indicate that they have not matured enough or that the pulp is not very juicy. In addition, we must bear in mind that the sugar content of nectarines does not increase once they have been harvested, so it is important to choose them when they are ripe and aromatic.

Once at home, the nectarines must be handled with care, as they are easily damaged. They keep for a few days at room temperature and several weeks in the refrigerator. In the latter case, before consuming them, it is convenient to temper them so that they are more tasty and sweet.

Nutritional value of nectarine 

The fat content of nectarine, like most fruits, is practically zero, it is also characterized by having a large amount of fiber. Do you want to discover more about the nutritional value of nectarines? We tell you.

Nutritional value per 100 g:

• Calories: 44 g

• Total fat: 0.3 g

• Sodium: 0mg

• Potassium: 201mg

• Carbohydrates: 11 g

• Dietary fiber: 1.7 g

• Sugars: 8 g

• Protein: 1.1g

Nectarine properties 

In addition to a high content of vitamin C, nectarine has many other health properties, take note of them!

• High water content and low in calories: like most fruits, nectarine has a large amount of water, more than 80%!, so its consumption helps us stay hydrated during the summer.

• Rich in vitamin C and carotenoids: the nectarine is a fruit with great antioxidant power, it helps protect us from free radicals and delay skin aging. In addition, its high content of vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, making it an ideal fruit for those who suffer from anemia.

• Rich in minerals: nectarines are a source of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium.

• High fiber content: this facilitates intestinal transit, improves heavy digestion and helps combat constipation.

Recipes with nectarines

Cheesecake and nectarines

Ingredients

• 6 nectarines with yellow flesh

• 5 large eggs

• 200 g of white sugar

• 85 g of pastry flour

• 140 g of cream cheese

• 250 ml of whole milk

•Vanilla

•Butter

• Icing sugar

Step by step récipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC and spread the mold where you are going to cook the cake with butter and a little flour so that it unmolds better at the end of the preparation. You can also cover it with baking paper.

2. Put the eggs, milk, vanilla essence, sugar, flour and cream cheese in a bowl. With the help of a blender or kitchen robot and mix them until you get a homogeneous mass.

3. Let the dough rest for 30 or 40 minutes in the mold at room temperature.

4. Peel the nectarines, cut them into slices and place the nectarines evenly distributed.

5. Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until you consider that it is well baked.

6. Sprinkle icing sugar on top of the nectarines and bake on grill mode to caramelize the sugar.

7. Keep it at room temperature until it cools down and store it in the fridge.

8. We recommend you not to serve it too cold and let it warm up.

Roasted nectarine, fresh cheese and honey

Ingredients

• 4 nectarines with yellow flesh

•Honey

• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon of EVOO

• 4 tablespoons of fresh cheese

• Peppermint (optional)

Step by step recipe

1. Wash the nectarines well, but do not remove the skin.

2. Preheat the oven to 200ºC and line the oven tray.

3. With the help of a knife, cut the nectarines in half, bordering the entire bone. Then turn the two halves in the opposite direction and separate. We need to use nectarines that are not too stale and not too firm, at their midpoint so that we can easily remove the bone. We will keep on one side a boneless half and on the other side a boneless half. With great care and skill, remove the bone from the half that had it.

4. Arrange all the halves with the hole facing up on the tray.

5. Mix the molasses with the oil and the spices very well, until everything is integrated.

6. Fill the hole in the nectarines with the mixture and a little more on top.

7. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, until we see that the nectarines begin to brown slightly. Let cool to room temperature.

8. At the time of serving, with the help of your fingers or a fork, slightly crumble the fresh cheese that we are going to use and place it on top of the nectarines.

9. Finish with some mint leaves that will give it an interesting counterpoint.