Spring is here and with it comes the arrival of one of our seasonal favourites: stone fruit.
Here at Hortiberia, as a producer, we begin our season for these fruits in April. But what exactly are stone fruits? As the name suggests, we are referring here to fruits which have one seed or stone inside them, facilitating their identification (although not always at first glance).
Additionally, another of their main qualities is their vibrant colours, along with their aromatic, succulent and sweet characteristics. Members of the stone fruit family include: peaches, apricots, nectarines, loquats, plums and flat peaches. We can’t wait to start eating these delicacies when the weather starts to change for the better.
The main qualities of stone fruits are their high nutrient content (vitamins A, C and E, fibre and minerals) and their high water content. This healthy, nutritious and low calorie product is perfect for enjoying during the summer months.
Even though stone fruits have a multitude of similarities, seeing as they belong to the same botanical family, it is worth highlighting some of their unique features.
Peaches: These are the stone fruit par excellence and they are best eaten from May to September. Their high water content makes them a very low calorie food and eating them provides you with a large number of antioxidants and vitamin C. In fact, eating just one gives you 20% of your recommended daily intake.
Apricots: If there is one clear difference between apricots and peaches, despite the fact that their origin, shape and colour are similar, it is their size: peaches are considerably larger, while the pulp of apricots is less juicy. Additionally, apricots have a tarter flavour and provide more dietary fibre per 100g. The season also runs from May to September.
Flat peaches: This flattened version of the peach is usually eaten between May and August and it contributes to strengthening our immune system, a property it shares with nectarines, given that they are both high in vitamin C, carotene and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus.
Nectarines: The fundamental difference between a peach and a nectarine is the latter’s smooth skin, but the eating season is the same: May to September. Given their low sodium content, they are recommendable for those with hypertension, and their high vitamin C content contributes to strengthening the immune system.
Plums: One of the essential characteristics of plums is their high fibre and water content, favouring digestion and helping you to stay regular. There are about 2000 varieties of plum and, as well as having a vitamin content comparable to other stone fruits, they also provide almost all the vitamins in group B and E. Furthermore, their anthocyanins improve heart health and contribute to controlling diseases such as diabetes and obesity. They are good to eat from April to August.
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