Nourishing Nectarines - A Recipe for Baked Nectarines with Crème Fraîche

This gorgeous fruit comes with a beautiful benefit... Read on to find out more.

The punnet of nectarines sitting on my kitchen side smelt so beautiful this morning, releasing a spicy-sweet aroma into the air. The scent was mouthwateringly good so I just had to think up a recipe for them. I've always preferred nectarines to peaches as they pack a little more flavour, with their intensely refreshing juices hitting you like a Summer's breeze. However, taste is not the only reward offered by this amazing fruit. After reading this, nectarines may become your new, natural skincare obsession!

What are they? 
Nectarines are actually the same species as peaches (shocker!). That's right, they are technically the same thing! Native to Northwest China, nectarines are believed to carry a recessive gene variant (an allele) that makes their skin smooth and flavour slightly different. Peaches carry a dominant allele, responsible for their fuzzy skin and milder flavour. Commercially and likely to you, I and most others, they are considered different fruits.

What are the Benefits?
Nectarines carry a nutritional punch whilst containing fewer calories than other fruits. Their richly pigmented skin is packed full of anthocyanins, antioxidants that can rid the body of free radicals and stimulate and protect collagen production. A nectarine's skin is also rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A, along with the phosphorous and vitamin C also present in nectarines, not only boosts the immune system, but also aids in cell rejuvenation and tissue regeneration. These vitamins can also spark collagen production, which can reduce the signs of aging and keep skin firm and healthy. Nectarines are also a great source of lutein, a difficult vitamin for the body to get enough of and one that supports healthy skin and eyes. The peachy bottom line is that nectarines can help your skin to look and feel younger, support healthy eyes and boost immunity.

How to Use them?
I love eating nectarines as they come, as nothing beats the fresh juices. However, a simple recipe of baked nectarines is also a favourite of mine. The fruit is also amazing in salads, smoothies, savoury tarts, with cheeses (such as feta) and tossed on top of yoghurts or cereals.

Recipe: Baked Nectarines with Crème Fraîche

Ingredients:

- 6 nectarines, halved and stoned
- 175g soft brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Put the nectarines in a bowl with the sugar and lemon juice. Mix together to coat the nectarines then place cut side up in an ovenproof dish, where the nectarines can lie in a single layer.

2. Pour 75ml of cold water around the fruit and bake for 30-40 minutes.How long it takes depends on how ripe the nectarines are. Ripe fruit cooks faster, hard fruit can take up to 60 minutes. If the nectarines look pale sprinkle over more sugar in the last 10 minutes of baking. Serve warm or chilled with crème fraîche.

Do you love nectarines? What's your favourite recipe using this beautiful fruit? Please share in the comments below.

K x