Peak Season for Stone Fruits

Nectarines, cherries, mangoes, apricots, peaches and plums all fall under the name “stone fruits.” That’s because they contain large hard seeds (relative to the size of their fruit). Feel free to call them by whatever name you please. I like to call them delicious, nutritious and beautifully versatile! Right now is the best time to enjoy stone fruits because they’re native to warm climates and are at their peak from June through September.Stone fruits can be grilled, sautéed, poached, baked, broiled and glazed, adding extra dimension to a wonderful meal. This Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Peaches opens in a new tabis simply perfect for summertime backyard dining. Buffalo Mozzarella with Balsamic Glazed Plums, Pine Nuts and Mint opens in a new tab is made with fresh purple plums gently poached in a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Pork Chops with Cherry Mustard Sauce opens in a new tab is made with either fresh or dried cherries deglazed in white wine. 

Whether fresh or cooked, stone fruits are mostly interchangeable in recipes, so feel free to experiment and have fun. Here are my tips and ideas, plus more recipes:

• Eat out of hand as often as desired (over the sink- they’re pretty darn juicy!)

• Chop and generously garnish ice cream, frozen yogurt or any favorite non-dairy alternative.

• Add to hot or cold cereal.

• Add to smoothies and cold fruit soups.

• Marinate, skewer, grill and serve. If desired, baste while grilling with favorite vinaigrette.

• Use fresh or dried in pancakes, waffles, muffins and quick breads. Or chop fresh and use as a topping. 

• Mash fresh and add a little lemon juice, raw sugar or honey and pinch of spice such as nutmeg or cinnamon; use as you would jam or jelly on biscuits, toast, French toast, scones and muffins.

• Chop fresh or use dried in salsa recipes. Serve with grilled meats, fish, tempeh or tofu.

• Enjoy some of our many stone fruit recipes:

Peaches

• Sweet Corn Soup with Peaches opens in a new tab

• Rum Butter Glazed Grilled Peaches opens in a new tab

Apricots

• Apricot Tart in Quinoa-Almond Crust opens in a new tab (Gluten Free!)

• Apricot and Feta Green Salad opens in a new tab

Cherries

• Wilted Kale with Cherries opens in a new tab

• Salmon with Caramelized Cherries opens in a new tab

Mangoes

• Triple Mango Smoothie opens in a new tab

• Grilled Chicken Spinach Salad with Mangoes opens in a new tab

Nectarines

• Whole Wheat Couscous with Nectarines and Pistachios opens in a new tab

• Use nectarines in place of melon in Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Pineapple Mint Glaze opens in a new tab

Plums

• Spinach Salad with Plums and Goat Cheese opens in a new tab

• Red Leaf Salad with Plums and Roasted Green Onion Dressing opens in a new tab

 
While stone fruits are awesome when eaten fresh, ripe and raw, dried varieties such as cherries and apricots add flavor, chewiness and natural sweetness to baked goods, desserts, salads, main dishes, trail mixes, jams, jellies and preserves. Brown Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Apricots opens in a new tab, Dried Cherry Pecan Scones opens in a new tab, Mango Tea Bread opens in a new tab, and Wheat Berry, Apricot and Arugula Salad opens in a new tab are good examples.

What’s your favorite stone fruit?  Got a good tip or recipe? Let me know.