General Information
White nectarines distinguish themselves from Yellow nectarine varieties in their balance of sugar and acid. White nectarines lack the acidity that yellow nectarines contain, thus they are referred to as sub-acid. Fruits are rounded and slightly heart-shaped with a single central groove. Their skin is paper thin, smooth and blushed with hues of ruby, pink and ivory throughout. The flesh is perfumed with aromatics, overtly juicy when ripe, and creamy in color. A ripe White nectarine’s texture is tender-firm with a melting quality, its flavors rich and decadently sweet with baking spice nuances.
History
Genetic studies have concluded that nectarines evolved due to a recessive allele. Without two copies of a gene, specific genetic traits will not be inherited. Thus, the nectarine naturally occurred as a fuzz-free peach. Bud mutations were isolated and planted as second generation trees to produce nectarine trees. Nectarines still naturally occur as bud mutations on peach trees. The trees’ preferred climate is similar to that of the peach. Their growing regions are regulated by the seasons. Only in late spring and summer will fruit become ripe. Nectarine trees need cold weather during the winter in order for the buds to develop properly and a hot dry spring and summer for fruit to ripen. Cultivation occurs in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres which experience opposite summers and winters.
