N is for Nectarine
Nectarines are a close cousin of the peach, and sometimes even grow on the same tree! They don’t have fuzz, unlike the peach. They also have a slightly firmer texture and a little bit of a sweet and tart flavor, while a peach is typically more sweet. Nectarines and peaches can be substituted for each other in any recipe.
Nectarines are part of a family of fruit called drupes, meaning that they have one central pit, or seed. Cherries, plums, apricots, and of course peaches are all members of the drupe family.
You can use nectarines just like you would peaches, so they make a great addition to hot and cold cereal, yogurt and granola, or a sweet and healthy on-the-go snack! For a quick breakfast treat, try grilling or sauteeing a nectarine and then topping with yogurt and cereal or granola.
For a fun, savory option, nectarines pair really well with chicken and pork dishes. These pork kabobs can also be made with chicken breast, cut into cubes.
Honey Mustard Nectarine Pork Kabobs (serves 4-6) recipe adapted from food.com
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 lbs pork ribs, cut into chunks (cut off excess fat)
- 4 large nectarines
- 1/2 cup honey
Directions
- In a large bowl mix the first six ingredients and stir in pork pieces.
- Marinate at least 1 hour, longer if possible.
- Cut each nectarine into six wedges. Alternate the nectarine and pork onto a skewer. Place kabobs on a pre heated grill and cook until browned. While cooking, baste the kabobs generously with honey.
- Enjoy!