Updated: August 13, 2025 • Eight minute read.
The magic of peaches and nectarines in the middle of summer
In summer, nothing rivals the deliciousness of a ripe peach or the crunch of a juicy nectarine. These sun-drenched gems embody the season of picnics, fresh desserts, and homemade juices. Their sweet aroma wafts over the stalls, inviting both creativity in the kitchen and simplicity: sink your teeth into them or try new recipes!
The peach, with its fuzzy skin, and the nectarine, so smooth, share much more than their vitamin-rich color. Their melting or crunchy flesh, white or yellow, is the starting point for dozens of preparations that celebrate summer on your table. Their richness in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber also make them nutritional allies, perfect for healthy snacks between two dives. Ready to twist your meals? We're taking you on a tour of the best gourmet ideas and tips to never let these fruits spoil in the basket again! 🍑🥗
Summer recipes and gourmet ideas
When the temperature rises, peaches and nectarines are everywhere: in salads, in drinks, for dessert... and even on the barbecue! For brunch, cut them into wedges and serve them with Greek yogurt, a dash of honey, and a few mint leaves. Looking for a savory touch? Try a summer salad: diced nectarine, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil—perfect as a light dish, you can garnish it with prosciutto or feta cheese, depending on your inspiration.
To enhance a barbecue (discover our barbecue selection ), think about roasted peaches! Cut them in half, place them flesh-side down on the grill for a few minutes, then sprinkle with a little rosemary and fleur de sel. Simple, impressive, and ultra-delicious.
For something sweet, there's nothing like a peach-nectarine smoothie, blended with a few ice cubes and a hint of lime. A suitable blender ( our smoothie comparison ) helps preserve the texture and freshness. And for those cravings for a quick dessert? A quick crumble with some sliced fruit, a pinch of brown sugar, and some baked cookie crumbs. Kids love it, and so do you!
Conservation and anti-waste tips
The secret to enjoying your summer fruits for a long time? A little organization, and a few foolproof tips. Peaches and nectarines continue to ripen after picking: leave them at room temperature if they're firm, then refrigerate them once they're fully flavored. Avoid direct contact with other fruits, especially bananas, as ethylene accelerates ripening.
If you have too many at once, think about freezing them! Cut them into quarters, remove the pit, sprinkle with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning, then place them on a baking sheet before putting them in a bag. They will be perfect for a smoothie ( recipe inspiration of the week ), a quick compote or a homemade coulis even out of season.
For overripe fruit, try homemade sorbets: simply blend the pieces with a little sugar and a squeeze of lemon, then place them in the freezer. The ultimate anti-waste tip? Blighted peaches work wonders as coulis, yogurt toppings, or the base of rustic tarts.
Buying well: budget, varieties and equipment
Choosing a peach or nectarine is first and foremost a matter of ripeness and variety. Always choose local, seasonal fruit: this way, you'll enjoy the best flavors and support French producers. Many varieties color the markets between June and September, from the flat peach to the large blood peach to the white nectarine, all of which are delicious when picked at the right time.
Price-wise, peak season guarantees you lower prices – take advantage of it to stock up or organize a fruity aperitif with friends! If you want to go further and vary your preparations, certain utensils make life easier: a good blender (see our summer accessories guide ), a pitter or an air fryer for quick fruit chips.
Budget tip: Slightly marked or downgraded fruits are often less expensive and perfect for cooking. Finally, don't hesitate to ask for advice at the market: each producer has their favorite variety and will be able to guide you according to your desires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tell a peach from a nectarine?
It's simple: peaches have fuzzy skin, while nectarines are smooth and shiny. Taste-wise, nectarines are sometimes more tart, but both offer similar flavors and plenty of vitamins.
Can you cook peaches and nectarines on the barbecue?
Yes, they're actually delicious! Slice them in half, remove the pit, and place them flesh-side down on the grill for a few minutes. They gently caramelize and go just as well with meat as with a scoop of ice cream.
What is the best way to store these fruits for several days?
Let them ripen at room temperature, then place them in the refrigerator to slow the process. For longer storage, consider freezing them in wedges or making coulis.
Can you make a smoothie without a professional blender?
Of course! A classic blender or even an immersion blender is enough to achieve a creamy texture, especially if the fruit is ripe. For original ideas, explore our selection of recipes !
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