Peach

A nectarine is a smooth-skinned variety of peach. The nectarine is genetically very similar to the peach, differing only by a single gene that causes the nectarine to have a smooth skin rather than the fuzzy skin of a peach. Both nectarines and peaches are members of the Prunus genus of the Rosaceae family. Nectarines are often classified as a cultivar group of peaches, and are known as Prunus persica var. nectarina. The name nectarine is believed to have originated in 1616, possibly from the Latin nectarinus, from nectar, the drink of the gods, or from Oudin nectarine, a cultivated peach. In Hebrew, a nectarine is called דובדבן חסר שיער (dovdevan khaser se'ar), literally meaning "hairless peach." In French, it is known as nectarine, in Spanish as nectarina, and in German as Nektarine. Nectarines are typically yellow or red in color and have a sweet, juicy flesh. They are commonly consumed fresh, but can also be used in a variety of culinary applications, including jams, jellies, and desserts. Nectarines are typically in season during the summer months.