The Nectarine, (Prunus persica variety nectarina), smooth-skinned peach of the family Rosaceae, is thought to have originated from China, and has been known for more than 2,000 years and grown throughout the warmer temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In tree shape and leaf characteristics the peach and nectarine are indistinguishable, but nectarine fruits look more like plums than peaches because of the smooth skin.

As with peaches, nectarines can be white or yellow, and clingstone or freestone. On average, nectarines are slightly smaller and sweeter than peaches, but with much overlap. The lack of skin fuzz can make nectarine skins appear more reddish than those of peaches, contributing to the fruit's plum-like appearance. The lack of down (fuzz) on nectarines' skin also means their skin is more easily bruised than peaches.

Peaches and nectarines provide very good sources of carotenes (Vitamin A), potassium, flavonoids, and natural fruit sugars for sweetness.

They are also good sources of vitamin A precursors, B carotene, B Cryptoxanthin, Lycopene, and Lutein which provide the red, orange, and yellow colors to fruits and vegetables. These phytochemicals are beneficial in the maintenance of heart health, and overall cellular functions.

Encore Fruit Marketing can provide an excellent source of nectarine juice concentrate to help consumer products deliver one of the 5 A Day fruit servings, with excellent fruit nutrition, and a refreshing taste of Summer from nectarines.

Nectarine juice concentrate is carefully processed from fresh, ripened nectarines to provide the essential fresh nectarine flavor and nutrition, in a convenient, ready to use ingredient form for processed beverage and food applications. [Nectarine juice concentrate is an excellent ingredient to add a fruit serving to your retail label for beverages, cakes, pies, pastries, sauces, jellies and other processed foods like nutrition bars and snacks.

Contact Encore Fruit Marketing today for product samples and information on nectarine juice concentrate at www.encorefruit.com or Click Here to use our convenient Contact Form.