Nectarines

These misunderstood fuzz-free peaches are not, in fact, the product of a cross with other stone fruits but a species unto themselves, and a delicious one at that. They come in two principle shades, each to be eaten during its own peak months: while red nectarines, which have red flesh surrounding a red stone, tend to be larger and are available from May through mid-July, yellow nectarines, which have yellow flesh around a pink center near the stone, are available from mid-August through September. Nectarines are perfect eaten on their own or sliced over morning cereal. Finely diced, they make a sweet addition to homemade salsa. For dessert, we like to bake them in crisps and galettes, perhaps combined with raspberries.