Peaches and nectarines are nearly the same fruit in the kitchen; the visible difference is the skin. Peaches are fuzzy, nectarines are smooth. In early fall, either can still be excellent in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, but the local season is ending.
| What to compare | Peach | Nectarine |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Fuzzy | Smooth |
| Texture | Variety-dependent; can be clingstone or freestone. | Variety-dependent; can be clingstone or freestone. |
| Typical Northern Hemisphere season | Usually June through August; some regional harvests last into September. | Usually May through September, depending on region and variety. |
| Best ripeness clues | Sweet aroma, a warm background colour and slight give. | Sweet aroma, a warm background colour and slight give. |
Is an early-fall peach still in season?
It can be. Later varieties extend the harvest into September in some growing regions, but local supply tapers at different times. Fruit in stores after that may come from another region or the Southern Hemisphere. Check the country or state of origin when buying local matters to you.
Choose by ripeness, not fuzz
Fuzz is not a sweetness signal. Smell near the stem and look for the fruit's background colour rather than its red blush. A ripe peach or nectarine should give slightly to gentle pressure; a hard, aroma-free fruit needs more time at room temperature. Refrigerate it once ripe if you are not eating it soon.
For a late-season fruit bowl, choose the one that smells good and is ready to eat. The skin is a preference; ripeness does the real work.
Nutrition per 100 g
| Nutrient | Yellow peach | Arctic Star nectarine |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 39 kcal | 44 kcal |
| Total fat | 0.3 g | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g | 1.7 g |
| Total sugars | 8.4 g | 7.9 g |
Figures are reference values from In Season's shared produce data. Nutrition can vary by variety and growing conditions.
Shared catalog last synced 23 September 2026.