Peaches and Nectarines (Pêches)

A guide to French peaches and nectarines in France. When they are in season, their characteristics and easy, healthy peach recipes.

French Peach and Nectarine Season

Summer: June, July, August to mid September.

Peach and Nectarine Facts in France

Scientifically known as Citrus sinensis (prunus persica), according to the French Ministry of Agriculture, the peach-nectarine is the 7th most popular fruit in France. A particularly ancient fruit from Persia, it became popular in China.
According to Alexandre Dumas in his Dictionary of Cuisine, Chinese poets referred to them as a symbol of immortality, while artists represented them in households as a sign of welcome and friendship.

France ended up being the centre of the fruit's culture in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. With 30 varieties grown for Louis XIV at the King's Vegetable Garden in Versailles, evocative names were given to peaches such as 'Belle de Chevreuse' and 'Téton de Vénus' (oh-là-là!).
With the best grown around Montreuil at the time, the King had baskets delivered by the Prince de Condé at the château de Chantilly as his péché-mignon, translated from French as an indulgent sin.

Are Peaches Good for You?

Both peaches and nectarines are high in fibre and an excellent source of vitamin C, with vitamin E and potassium.

Remember to remove its oval stone or pit, as it contains amygdalin which can create cyanide when digested by enzymes in the gut. It's not worrying as in small doses but to be avoided particularly for babies (able to eat peaches as of 6 months) and young children.

What is the Difference Between a Peach and Nectarine?

Although both stone fruits have juicy yellow or white flesh and taste similar, peaches are slightly bigger than nectarines and have an edible, fuzzy skin. I love how Dumas refers to fuzzy peach skin as "a duvet". Nectarines' smooth, fuzz-less skin holds a slightly more firmer flesh than the softer peaches.

Nectarines are not hybrids, so are not a cross with any other fruit and don't have any relation to plums or apples, only that they're both a stone fruit.

However, in France, a nectarine is also called a 'brugnon'; its only difference being a nectarine is easier to detach the stone from the flesh. Otherwise nectarines and brugnons both have smooth, dark skins.

Sweetest Nectarines: If you see yellowish spots on nectarine skins, it's a good sign that the sugars are concentrated underneath and so extra sweet and juicy.

What is a Flat Peach?

Known as pêches plates or flat peaches, donut/doughnut peaches have slightly less fuzz and are just as juicy and sweet as regular peaches. They're great for using in recipes and just as good to eat on their own.

Can I Substitute Nectarines for Peaches?

Of course you can interchange both nectarines and peaches in a recipe. The flavour profile is the same, with a slight hint of almond. Just bear in mind that nectarines tend to be slightly smaller when making a recipe.

What Fruit Can Replace Peaches?

As their flavour profile is similar in terms of acidity, sweetness and juiciness, the best replacement for peaches are apricots and vice versa.

Fresh Peach and Nectarine Recipes

Fresh peaches are baked and stuffed in this dessert below, it's so good, we make it often during the season. Trust me, it's a winner.
Otherwise, substitute peaches or nectarines in many apricot recipes - I've added some recipe inspiration below including best flavour combinations to serve with ice cream.

Speaking of ice creams, the most famous French peach dessert is this classic Peach Melba recipe, invented by French chef, Auguste Escoffier. It's so elegant yet so easy with poached vanilla peaches, vanilla ice cream and raspberry purée.

Baked peaches with amaretti. These sticky peaches are served either chilled or at room temperature and stuffed with honey, raspberries and ground amaretti cookies or almond flour. Light, low in sugar and packed with flavour.

Make the easiest peach tart recipe! Made with ready-made puff pastry and a simple almond paste with 4 ingredients, this is so quick to put together.

Substitute apricots or strawberries for 2-3 chopped nectarines in this clafoutis with almond flour. Serve chilled or at room temperature for breakfast, dessert or super on picnics.

Using the same recipe for baked apricots, this recipe is even easier without stuffing required. Just remove their pits/stones, dribble in honey, add an optional splash of liqueur and dessert is ready in no time.
Even better, if you have some dried lavender or lemon verbena, add a little for a taste of Provence!

Serve baked peaches with lemon verbena ice cream for a taste of France! The flavour combination is incredible, as is with pistachio ice cream.

Traditionally made with pears, replace with peaches or apricots in a Tarte Bourdaloue. Split the peaches in two and poach them in vanilla syrup, just as in the recipe. Alternatively, dare I say, you could even use tinned peaches out of season.

This simple yet unique French beans recipe with peach is a wonderful way to jazz up green beans. Add a white peach: the flavour combination is divine with its floral and subtle sweetness.