Shelf Life

Mature fruits can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days until they ripen. When ripe, nectarines can be refrigerated for 3-5 days. Optimum storage conditions are at 30.5 to 32°F with relative humidity at 90 to 95%. Nectarines can be kept frozen for up to 10-12 months.

Other Information

• Nectarines, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries are members of the Prunus genus and commonly referred as stone fruits (drupes) because their seed is very large and hard. Nectarines are smooth-skinned peaches and are grown in warmer temperate regions. On average, nectarines are slightly smaller and sweeter than peaches.
• Nectarines have red, yellow, or white flesh and are commonly eaten fresh or cooked in jams, and pies.
• Depending on climate and cultivar, nectarine harvest can occur from late May into August (Northern Hemisphere) with hand-harvesting from each tree lasting about a week. They are highly perishable, and nectarines are typically consumed or canned within two weeks of harvest.

For more information:

• http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/surveillance-reporting/investigation-toolkit.html
• www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm272351.htm