Stone Fruit Season is Upon Us!

What makes a fruit a Stone Fruit?

Stone Fruits, also known as drupes, are fruits that have a pit or “stone” in their center with a soft, thin, fleshy outer layer. Some of the most common stone fruits include peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, dates, and nectarines. 

Common Stone Fruits

Peaches are one of the most popular types of stone fruits. They are fuzzy-skinned stone fruits known for their sweet, juicy taste. They thrive in climates with hot summers and cold winters, particularly in China, southeastern parts of the United States, and parts of Europe. The main two types of peaches are clingstone and freestone. Clingstone peaches mean that the flesh clings to the pit and with freestone peaches, the flesh is separate from the pit. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, making them the perfect addition to baked goods. 

Plums have a smooth skin with the most popular colors being red and deep purple. They have a sweet, semi tart taste depending on the type. Plums grow best in regions with well-drained soil, such as California, Japan, and some European countries. Plums have loads of antioxidants and provide digestive health benefits when dried into prunes. 

Cherries are a smaller stone fruit that provide a sweet to tart taste. They require climates with both warm summers and cool winters, such as the Pacific Northwest and Turkey to grow well. Cherries, which are also rich in antioxidants, are well-loved in deserts like pies. They are commonly used in preservatives and can be sweet or sour. 

Apricots are often described as having a velvet-like skin and tangy flavor. They thrive in climates with mild winters and dry summers, such as the Mediterranean and California. Like cherries, apricots are commonly used in preservatives, as well as pastries. 

Mangoes thrive in primarily tropical climates, such as Southeast Asia, India, and parts of Central and South America. Unlike some of the other stone fruits, mangoes need heat and humidity to excel. They are high in Vitamins A and C and can assist with digestion. While mangoes are most commonly eaten fresh, they are often blended into beverages like smoothies.

Dates have a sweet, chewy taste and prefer arid desert climates, most notably in parts of North Africa and the Middle East. They are typically consumed both fresh and dried and are described as having an almost caramel-like flavor. Dates provide natural energy and have several uses, including smoothies and traditional dishes, especially during Ramadan. 

Nectarines are similar to peaches, but have a smooth skin and more firm texture as opposed to fuzzy skin. These fruits need cold winters and hot summers, thriving in California, China, and the Mediterranean. 

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