The Real Difference Between Peaches and Nectarines

Peaches and nectarines are both stars of the summer office fruit bowl, but they’re also a great conversation starter. Some snackers have a strong preference between them, while others can barely see a difference! To help settle the great peaches vs. nectarines debate, let’s talk about what they really have in common, what sets them apart (it’s science!), and which is best for you.

What Peaches and Nectarines Have in Common

Both fruits are in the same family (stone fruits or “drupes”) and share a lot of the same traits:

• Yellow skin with a red, orange, or pink blush
• Yellow or white flesh inside
• Pits or “stones” in the middle
• Sweet or sweet-tart flavor
• Juicy enough to drip down your chin when you take a bite

So, what’s the difference between them?

How to Tell the Difference Between Peaches and Nectarines

The difference between peaches and nectarines is simple: Peaches have fuzzy skin, and nectarines have smooth skin. Nectarines have a recessive gene that makes them fuzz-free. Other than that, they’re the exact same fruit, as genetically identical as twins.

Don’t Love Peach Fuzz? Try This

Peach fuzz has some advantages for farmers: It protects the fruit from damage from hail and pests. But it can be a downside come snack time. Some people love the extra texture that fuzzy peach skin has, while others aren’t fans.

If you’re anti-fuzz, you have a few options:

• Stick to fuzz-free nectarines
• Peel your peaches before you eat them

You can find an easy method for peeling peaches in the Yellow Peach section of our Complete Guide to Stone Fruit. It’s especially handy for baked dishes like Sweet Peach and Blueberry Crumble.

Settling the Peaches vs. Nectarines Flavor Debate

If you read the last section thinking, “Hang on, that can’t be right! Fuzz isn’t the only thing that sets the fruits apart: Nectarines and peaches taste different,” you have a point. But that’s not a peaches vs. nectarines issue—it’s a variety issue. Here’s the scoop.

Do Peaches and Nectarines Taste the Same?

Yes and no. Both fruits come in dozens of varieties, and each one has its own unique flavor. Some are sweet, soft, and floral, while others are firmer, juicier, and sweet-tart. If you think peaches are sweeter than nectarines, for example, you may have just had sweeter peach varieties and compared them to tarter nectarines!

Do White Peaches and Nectarines Taste Different Than Yellow Ones?

Overall, white-fleshed fruits are sweeter than their yellow-fleshed sisters. White fruits have less acid, which gives them a sweeter and less complex flavor. They tend to be more delicate with sweet honey and vanilla notes.

Which Fruit Is Best? To Find Out, Go on a Quest

The only way to decide whether you like peaches or nectarines best is to embark on a quest to taste as many varieties as you can. Explore Mango nectarines, Sierra Rich yellow peaches, Arctic Mist white nectarines, Fire Sweet yellow nectarines, and many more!

You can also ask yourself the ultimate peaches vs. nectarines question: Do I prefer fuzz or no fuzz? That should just about settle it.

Kickstart Your Variety Quest: Get Fresh Peaches and Nectarines Delivered

To kickstart your variety quest, consider a seasonal fruit mix from The FruitGuys for your office or home. We include both fruits in our Harvest Mix and Season’s Best Box during their peak summer season and switch up the fruit varieties week to week.

From saucer-shaped donut nectarines to dark red O’Henry peaches, you can find a little bit of everything inside, especially if you live and work in a peach-growing region.