Stone fruit season is here! Stone fruit, also known as a drupe, is a variety of fruit that features a stone or pit in the center. The most popular varieties are in the genus prunus, including peaches, plum, and apricots. Do you know the differences between them? Read on to learn more about the varieties we will be carrying this season! 

Apricot

• Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A- great for promoting eye health! 
• Balanced tart and sweet flavor with a creamy texture 
• Great in cooked applications and eating out of hand 

Aprium

• Hybrid cross between an apricot and a plum, but more similar to an apricot
• Smooth skin has a light fuzzy coating 
• Flesh is bright orange and juicy
• Freestone variety- meaning flesh does not adhere to the seed 
• Flavor is very sweet with minimal acid and a predominate strong apricot taste

Plum

• Rounded shape with a central groove running vertically from the stem end 
• Smooth, thin skin is typically bright to deep purple colored but is available in many colors including black, yellow, red, pink and even green! 
• Succulent, juicy flesh 
• Flavor varies from sweet-tart to spicy with minimal acid 
• Plums naturally have a whitish-silvery wax coating called a “bloom” that protects their skin and keeps it from losing water. If fruit has a lot of bloom, it’s a sign the plum hasn’t been overhandled! 

Pluot

• Hybrid cross between a plum and an apricot, but more similar to a plum 
• Exterior looks like a mottled plum and coloring can range from red- to pale amber-skinned 
• Skin is taut and thin, clinging to the flesh 
• Flesh can range in coloring from deep ruby to gold 
• Intense flavor, brimming with sweetness and minimal acid 
• Best suited for fresh eating, but can also be used in cooked applications 

Yellow Peach

• A crowd pleaser and all-time favorite! 
• Fuzzy, thin skin has a yellow and orange base covered in deep red blushing 
• Deep orange-colored flesh is aromatic and juicy 
• Well-rounded flavor that is balanced of sweet and acidic notes 
• Great to eat out of hand or in cooked applications

White Peach

• Semi-thin, fuzzy skin has an ivory base coloring covered in red and pink blush
• Bruises easily so be careful when building displays!  
• Inner white flesh is soft, tender, and aqueous
• Aromatic floral scent when ripe
• Flavor is mildly sweet with very little acidic notes

Donut Peach

• Round, flat shape with a dimpled center at each end
• Thin, fuzzy skins are yellow or orange with rose and ivory blushing 
• White flesh is soft and juicy with an easy to remove pit 
• Flavor is low in acid and a candy-like sweetness

Yellow Nectarine

• Shiny, smooth, dark red skin with very little freckling 
• Slightly firm texture 
• Yellow flesh is mildly acidic and sweet in flavor

White Nectarine

• Paper thin, smooth skin blushed with red, pink, and ivory coloring 
• Creamy white, tender flesh lacks the acidity that yellow nectarines have 
• Flesh is aromatic, extremely juicy, and decadently sweet 
• Best suited for fresh eating, but can also be used in cooked applications