VANILLAGOODS / FRESH MARKET BUYING GUIDE

Nectarines: Buying, Storage & Baking Guide

Learn how to choose, store, and bake with nectarines, with quality checks and U.S. season guidance.

Stone fruit
Nectarines: Nectarines with one halved

Look for

Developed background color; no extensive green patches on peaches

Feel & texture

Gentle give around the shoulders for eat-now fruit

Aroma

A characteristic fruity scent can help; not conclusive

What to avoid

Fermented odor, deep bruises or leaking

How to store

Ripen suitable climacteric fruit at room temperature, then refrigerate

Typical U.S. season

Typical U.S. months: Jun, Jul, Aug

Growing regions and availability

High-level growing suitability depends on variety, climate and local conditions.

Seasons and growing conditions vary by location and variety. Imported or stored ingredients may be available outside typical growing windows.

Visual buying guide

Nectarines, where it grows: Nectarines ripening on a tree branch in an orchard

Where it grows

Nectarines, pick this one: Firm, glossy, golden-red nectarines

Pick this one

Developed background color; no extensive green patches on peaches

Nectarines, skip this one: Nectarines with soft wrinkled spots

Skip this one

Fermented odor, deep bruises or leaking

What can you bake with Nectarines?

Cobblers, pies, tarts and compotes

Explore nectarine recipes →

← Return to the Fresh Market Guide