The summer of 2025 has arrived, bringing with it South Africa’s most joyful seasonal arrival: stone fruit. The first fresh peaches of the season are already in stores, freshly harvested from orchards across the country. One bite into a ripe peach – fragrant, tender, and juicy – signals that long, warm days are here.
From October’s early peaches, the season expands into nectarines, plums, cling peaches, and cherries from November onwards.
“South Africans can take pride in the fact that our country produces some of the best stone fruit in the world,” says Wilechia van der Westhuizen, spokesperson for Juicy Delicious. “Summer brings an abundance of high-quality, affordable fruit. Stone fruit plays an important role in boosting wellness across our communities, and they are so versatile that there are endless ways to enjoy them every day.”
Whether in peach chutney, nectarine achar, a sticky plum braai glaze, or cherries poured over vanilla ice cream, stone fruit brings bright, festive flavour to South African kitchens. Alongside pleasure and tradition, stone fruit also offers significant health benefits and the convenience of being an on-the-go snack.
Why stone fruit belongs in your summer routine
Loaded with vitamins and minerals
Peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries offer Vitamins C and A, along with potassium and magnesium for muscle support and healthy blood pressure.
High in fibre
With the skins on, stone fruit delivers soluble and insoluble fibre that supports gut health, balances blood sugar, and helps manage cholesterol. Fibre also keeps you fuller for longer, supporting healthier choices during the holiday feasting season.
Antioxidant-rich
Stone fruit brings a spectrum of phytonutrients that promote overall wellness and help you “eat the rainbow” all summer long.
Seven simple ways to eat stone fruit daily
• Keep a bowl of stone fruit where you can see it for easy snacking.
• Pre-slice and chill peaches, nectarines, or plums for smoothies or salads.
• Pair your water bottle with a peach for hydration and electrolyte support.
• Add stone fruit to meals: on oats, in salads, and in savoury dinners like curries or roasts.
• Make summer preserves, chutneys, sauces, salsas, and braai glazes.
• Pack stone fruit in lunchboxes for school and work.
• Bake and dessert-prep with stone fruit while the season is at its peak.
Season of plenty
South Africans can expect a steady supply of peaches, nectarines, and plums throughout summer, plus a special seasonal window for cherries. With flavour, nutrition, and affordability on your side, there has never been a better time to make stone fruit your go-to seasonal habit.
For recipes and inspiration, follow @juicydelicioussa on Instagram or visit www.juicydelicious.co.za.
