The flavor (as well as color and size) varies from variety to variety, but is generally sweet and sprightly with a balance of acidity. The fruit has a firm texture and is quite juicy. Apricots are high in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and a good source of fiber as well as low in fat and sodium free.

These early summer gems have a short season for fresh eating. Most of the apricots produced in the US are grown in California, followed by Washington state where harvests come several weeks later. Fresh apricots are generally available from May to August.

Don’t miss out on this ancient and delicious summer fruit!

More than 200 varieties of nectarines exist today. Their skin color ranges from pale yellow to deep red and the flesh color ranges from white to orange.

Ripe nectarines are slightly soft to the touch, fragrant and brightly colored. Fruit that is not quite ready can be ripened in a bowl or paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days. Once ripe, nectarines must be kept refrigerated and should be eaten within five days.

Yellow Peaches - There are hundreds of yellow-fleshed peach varieties. Classics such as the Red Haven, Elberta, and O'Henry have been joined in recent years by a plethora of great new varieties which have greatly extended the fresh peach season. These juicy, sweet summer fruits ripen from mid-May to late September, with peak availability in August.

White Peaches - White-fleshed peach varieties were known in Europe as early as 1655, although they were so delicate compared to yellow peaches that they nearly disappeared from commercial orchards. Since the 1980's white peaches have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, and newly developed later-ripening varieties have extended the white peach season to nearly match that of yellow varieties.

Clingstone - So named because the flesh clings stubbornly to the pit or stone. The flesh can be yellow or white with touches of pink or red near the pit. Clingstone peaches have a soft texture and are sweet and juicy. While delicious eaten fresh they are generally used for jellies, jams and canning.

Freestone - Named because the flesh is easily separated from the pit or stone. This is the type most commonly eaten fresh. They are generally larger than clingstones with a firmer, less juicy texture but still with a sweet taste. They are also excellent for canning and baking.

Flat or Donut Peaches - New varieties of donut peaches such as the white-fleshed "Saturn" and "Jupiter" have made quite a splash on the US market since the 1990's. The oldest known flat peach variety, the "Peen-to" was introduced to the US from China in 1869, but never became very popular. Today's donut peaches are super-sweet, with creamy, juicy flesh that may be either white or yellow.

Peaches are highly perishable so you should buy only the amount you can use within a few days. Look for peaches that are firm to the touch, but will yield slightly to gentle pressure. The skin should be unblemished and free from bruises. Fresh peaches can be kept for 3 to 4 days at room temperature or for a couple of days longer in the refrigerator. Refrigerated peaches should be allowed to come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.

The plum has been cultivated since ancient times and probably originated near the Caspian Sea. Plums came to the Americas with the first European settlers and have been cultivated here ever since.

Ripe plums are fragrant and give slightly when gently squeezed. Plums ripen quickly when set out in a bowl at room temperature.

Pluots have smooth skin and a single pit like a plum, but the flavor and aroma reveal a hint of their apricot ancestry. There are many varieties of pluots currently being cultivated, with fruit ranging in color from green to yellow to red and dark purple. Some varieties have speckles or splotches, others are solid colored. The interior flesh can be yellow to dark red, and all are sweet and juicy with an intriguing spicy-tart flavor.

Pluots are available from June through October. Try one of these exciting new flavor sensations today, you won’t be disappointed!