Nectarines vs. Peaches: What's the Difference?

Ripe, juicy peaches and nectarines are as iconic to summer as beach towels and campfires. These two stone fruits look and taste similar, so what's the difference? Can you use them interchangeably for cobblers, pies, crumbles, and preserves? Ahead, an expert explains everything you need to know about the two summer fruits.

Peaches vs. Nectarines

Peaches and nectarines are both stone fruits. It's a common misconception that a nectarine is a cross between a peach and a plum, but this is not true. Nectarines are a naturally occurring mutation of peaches, says Susan Brown, PhD, Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. The two fruits are genetically identical, except for one gene, which makes the skin of nectarines smooth, unlike the fuzzy skin of peaches.

Season

Peaches and nectarines reach peak ripeness in July and August. You may find them available earlier in the summer and sometimes even in the off-season, when they most likely come from South America.

Size

When sitting side by side, peaches and nectarines may look comparable in size. But nectarines are usually slightly smaller than peaches, says Brown. 

Flavor

"Nectarines have [a higher sugar content] and more acidity, making them a little tangier than primarily sweet peaches,” notes Brown. “If they have russet, small cork spots, they tend to be sweeter."

Texture

Peaches, of course, have fuzzy skin, while nectarines have smooth skin. Compared to peaches, nectarines are also slightly firmer and store better, says Brown.

Nutrients

Nectarines have twice the vitamin A of peaches and a bit more vitamin C, according to Brown.

Varieties of Peaches and Nectarines

Peaches and nectarines both come in a few different varieties: they can be freestone (meaning the pit falls easily away from the flesh) or clingstone (meaning—you guessed it—that the pit clings tightly to the fruit). Clingstones of both fruits are firmer than freestones.

Both fruits also come in yellow and white varieties. White peaches and nectarines are less acidic and therefore taste sweeter. They're also more aromatic, almost floral, says Brown.

How to Use Peaches and Nectarines in Recipes

Although nectarines tend to be smaller and firmer than peaches, the fruits taste similar. This means you really can substitute one for the other in any recipe. What's more important is to select the fruit that's the ripest and most fragrant.

Depending on the market and the point in the growing season, the peaches may be looking better one week and the nectarines the following week. Next time you have a hankering for a dish loaded with summer flavor, like ice cream, muffins, shortcakes, cocktails, sangria, cake, galettes, salads, salsa, and more, use your senses to choose the tastiest fruit.

Nectarine and Peach Recipes

Ready to put these sweet stone fruits to good use? Here's a list of a few of our favorite nectarine and peach recipes to get you started.

Nectarine Clafoutis

This sweet French dessert will be the perfect treat for any summertime gathering. Sliced nectarines are baked into a delicious batter spiked with vanilla seeds which bring rich flavor. You'll serve the clafoutis dusted with powdered sugar.

Grilled-Peach Pizzas with Prosciutto

Grilled peaches (or nectarines) bring bursts of caramelized sweetness to a rather savory prosciutto pizza. Fresh basil and mozzarella tie it all together, creating an ideal meal for any summer evening. Plus, the recipe only takes 20 minutes to pull off if you already have pizza crust on hand.

Peach Sangria With Prosecco

If your hosting a summer soiree and need a big batch cocktail to serve, look no further than this sweet sangria recipe that utilizes the season's freshest fruit. The cocktail actually requires three summer stone fruits: a peach, a nectarine, and a few apricots. Save yourself time pre-party by making it up to six hours ahead of the event.