There’s no taste and no texture that is more synonymous with the South African summertime than the season’s first juicy and delicious peaches. The sweet arrival of sun-ripened stone fruit reminds us of the bright, warm days ahead as the working year finally starts to wind down. It’s time to get back to the outdoor living we love so much and to start planning our special get-togethers with friends and loved ones over the holiday season.
As Africa’s top stone fruit producer, stone fruit are mostly grown in the ideal Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape, and the country plays a significant role in meeting the demands of Northern Hemisphere markets during their winter months. Due to its role as a global producer, South Africa’s stone fruit growers meet the high standards of not just fruit quality, but sustainability in markets such as Europe and the UK. What this means for us locally is that South Africans have extraordinary access to a bounty of best-quality peaches, nectarines and plums which are in-store from October through to April every year.
Whether you are snacking on whole yellow peaches at the beach, slicing nectarines into a crisp, summer salad, braaiing ribs with smoky plum marinade or serving up the freshest peach ice cream in waffle cones, stone fruit are essential to the South African summer experience. From dessert to cling peaches, yellow to white flesh nectarines, and plums that are purple, red and yellow, stone fruit are nutritious treats, hero ingredients and a favourite way to enjoy healthy lifestyles over the summer months.
All the goodness of South Africa’s Juicy Delicious stone fruit
The season will start with the first succulent dessert peaches in October, followed closely by nectarine varieties and early plums. At the peak of summer, South Africans will have a wide choice of stone fruit types and varieties.
Peaches, nectarines and plums are traditionally enjoyed as refreshing and convenient whole foods. These fruit are packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium, which help protect the body, support immunity and reduce inflammation. Peaches, plums and nectarines are also rich in fibre that promotes digestive health and can help in managing cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar. Stone fruit is also ideal for those watching their caloric intake. Enjoying peaches, plums and nectarines in their natural state helps each family member get at least 5-a-day when it comes to fresh fruit and veg, and provides a nutrient-dense, low-calorie snack perfect for a healthy summer diet.
However, there are so many more ways that South Africans enjoy versatile stone fruit and make them part of our summer lifestyle and festive culinary traditions:
· Create fresh summer salads – Combine juicy peaches, nectarines, and plums with fresh greens, nuts, and soft cheeses like feta or goat cheese for refreshing, flavourful salads. Try finely sliced plums in your summer coleslaw.
· Grill stone fruit for a braai twist – Stone fruit are perfect for grilling. Add them to your braai as a sweet, caramelized side dish or dessert paired with a scoop of ice cream.
· Whip up delicious smoothies – Blend nectarines, plums, or peaches with yogurt or coconut water for a hydrating, nutrient-packed summer smoothie.
· Bake with stone fruit – Use peaches, nectarines, and plums in pies, tarts, and cobblers. Stone fruit desserts bring out the natural sweetness of the season and make a great addition to festive gatherings.
· Make homemade jams and preserves – Preserve the summer flavours by making stone fruit jams. These can be enjoyed throughout the year and make excellent gifts during the holiday season.
· Enjoy stone fruit cocktails and mocktails – Add peach or plum puree to sparkling water, lemon juice, and mint for a refreshing mocktail. For a cocktail, mix with gin or vodka for a fruity twist on summer drinks.
· Infuse water with stone fruit – Add slices of fresh peaches or nectarines to water for a subtly sweet and fruity infused water, perfect for staying hydrated in the heat.
· Prepare picnic charcuterie boards – Pair fresh stone fruit with cheeses, cold meats, and nuts for a vibrant and seasonal summer grazing board.
· Chop stone fruit into salsas – Add peaches or nectarines with tomatoes, onions, and coriander for a sweet and tangy salsa. It’s a great topping for grilled fish, chicken or brinjals.
There are endless ways to enjoy our home-grown abundance of stone fruit in the months ahead, and South Africans can look forward to a juicy delicious year-end with a consistent availability of some of the best peaches, nectarines and plums in the world.
For more inspiration and recipes, follow @juicydelicioussa on Instagram or visit www.juicydelicious.co.za