Donut nectarines are a mutation of the donut peach, with a depression in the middle that evokes a donut hole. They can be found in specialty stores, farmers’ markets, and greengrocers. They have a sweeter flavor than peaches and can be used in various dishes. They should have a deep red blush, and green streaks should be avoided. They can be grown in warm climates with proper care.
Donut nectarines are unique nectarine cultivars that look remarkably like donuts. In fact, they’re a mutation of the popular donut peach, a flattened peach with a depression in the middle that evokes a donut hole. Specialty stores may stock donut nectarines in season, as can farmers’ markets and greengrocers. They can be used and handled just like regular nectarines and are considered more novelty in looks than flavor.
Nectarines and peaches are closely related, with nectarines having smooth flesh rather than fuzzy flesh and a sweeter flavor. Many nectarine cultivars, such as donut nectarine, are actually mutations of peach cultivars, as the genetic differences between the fruits are very small. In the case of the donut nectarine, the fruit’s origins can be found in China, where flat peaches have been grown for several centuries. The flat peach was first exported to the West in the 1800s and was briefly lost until the late 1900s when donut peaches became a popular commodity. Donut nectarines followed close behind.
One specific cultivar is the Saturn nectarine, named in reference to the ringed planet. Unusual-looking fruits may also simply be labeled flat nectarines, usually from unimaginative grocers. Whatever consumers want to call it, a donut nectarine can be eaten by hand, included in fruit salads or used in an assortment of baked desserts, jams and chutneys. The naturally sweet flavor enhances a wide range of dishes.
A good quality donut nectarine should have a deep red blush, with yellow undertones. Consumers should try to avoid donut nectarines with green streaks, as these indicate that the fruit is not fully ripe. Once opened, a donut nectarine has dense, white flesh that will be very juicy and sweeter than that of a peach. Fruits must be handled carefully to avoid bruising, with consumers storing ripe fruit in the refrigerator for no more than three days.
In warm climates with long, sunny summers, donut nectarines can also be grown. Generally, the trees are hardy and will endure in USDA zones five through nine, provided they are planted in a sunny location out of the wind and offer plenty of fertilizer and water. Nectarines can be picky eaters, sometimes getting sick for no apparent reason, which can be frustrating for gardeners. However, persistence with fickle fruit can yield a bumper crop of fresh, flavorful fruit in late August.
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