What's The Difference Between A Peach And A Nectarine?

Could you point out the differences between peaches and nectarines? The more challenging question would be, can you choose a favorite? We love peaches and nectarines equally around here. Whether plucked from the tree, eaten over the sink, or baked into our favorite recipes, they're two of our favorite stone fruits in the South. But what's the difference between the two? Read on to learn more about these fruits' similarities and differences and a few selections that may thrive in your region.

About Peaches And Nectarines

The easiest way to distinguish between a peach and a nectarine is by sight and touch. A fine fuzz covers the skin of peaches, which gives the appearance of a downy texture across the fruit's surface. Nectarines, on the other hand, are smooth, and their skin can look almost shiny. Both peaches and nectarines come in an array of golden, red, and pink hues. Both peaches and nectarines can be freestone or clingstone fruits with white and yellow varieties. Peaches are larger than nectarines, which are usually small and dense. Genetically, peaches and nectarines are nearly identical. According to The New Southern Living Garden Book, "Peaches and nectarines, while native to Asia, do just fine throughout the South. In most areas, crops ripen between May and September, depending on the selection."

Growing Peaches And Nectarines

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to plant peaches and nectarines. According to The New Southern Living Garden Book, "First, these are not low-maintenance plants. They require good drainage, heavier pruning than other fruit trees, and regular spraying if you expect to get fruit. Second, it is essential to consider the chill hours a particular selection needs in order to bloom and set fruit." Each tree has a different chill requirement, which may affect the types of nectarines and peaches you can grow in your area.

If you're considering planting peach or nectarine trees, take the Garden Book's recommendation: "Growers in the Upper, Middle, and Lower South are safer planting selections that require at least 750 chill hours and bloom later in spring. On the other hand, growers in Florida and along the Gulf and South Atlantic Coasts, where winters are mild, need to plant low-chill selections that require less than 650 hours of winter chill."

Types Of Peaches

There are several varieties of peaches, but here are a few types of delicious stone fruits to know:

• 'Challenger' needs 850 hours of winter chill. It produces medium fruit with excellent flavor in the early- to mid-season months. It's also disease resistant and hardy against any unexpected late spring frosts. 
• 'Cresthaven' is a late bloomer that requires 850 hours of chill. It produces gorgeous large fruit with golden-and-red skin. 
• 'Madison' needs 850 chill hours and bears bountiful fruit with yellow skin tinged with bright red. 
• 'Southern Rose' is a dwarf peach that requires 300 hours of chill. It produces medium-sized yellow-and-pink fruit.

Types Of Nectarines

There are several varieties of nectarines, but here are a few types of delicious stone fruits to know:

• 'Fantasia' produces big, beautiful flowers and yellow-and-red fruit. It needs 500 hours of chill in the winter months. 
• 'Redgold' produces striking red fruit with excellent flavor as long as it receives its required 850 hours of winter chill. These nectarines are great for cooking or for eating right off the tree. 
• 'Sunraycer' is a Florida favorite that needs only 250 hours of chill. It bears sizeable yellow-and-red fruit with delicious flavor.

Once you've mastered the art of identification and care, try some of our favorite peach and nectarine recipes, including Freezer Peach Pie, Easy Peach Cobbler, and Cherry-Nectarine Pandowdy.

WATCH: Cherry-Nectarine Pandowdy

If asked to choose between a peach and a nectarine, which is your favorite? Do you have any peach or nectarine trees growing in your yard?