White nectarines are a stone fruit and species within the genus, Prunus, alongside cherries, apricots, plums and almonds. Nectarines are the result of a natural occurring genetic mutation of peaches. There are dozens of white nectarine varieties, with names such as Arctic Rose and Heavenly White. The season for White nectarines continues to expand with the introduction of early ripening nectarines that have been developed to reach the same level of quality and sweetness of their mid and late-summer counterparts. Fun Tip: When nectarines go soft, don't throw them out. It's the perfect time to make a sorbet! Pit the fruit and slice coarsely. Toss into a blender with a few drops of lemon juice and optionally a teaspoon of honey. Blend until no large pieces remain. Pour into individual serving cups and freeze. Yum!!

The fruit has yellow or whitish flesh, a delicate aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines) in different cultivars. The flesh is very delicate and easily bruised in some cultivars, but is fairly firm in some commercial varieties, especially when green. Peaches, along with cherries, plums and apricots, are stone fruits (drupes). There are various heirloom varieties, including the Indian Peach, or Indian Blood Peach, which arrives in the latter part of the summer, and can have color ranging from red and white, to purple. Fun Fact: Spaniards brought peaches to South America and the French introduced them to Louisiana.