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Ingredient Library

Stone Fruit

Most types of stone fruit are good sources of vitamin A and vitamin C.
Did you know?
Stone fruits are named after the large "stone" in their centers. This stone is also known as a pit!
Characteristics
  • Stone fruits include peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, apricots and more. They have a thin skin and a “stone” in the center, called the pit or seed.
  • They are ripe when the flesh starts to feel slightly soft when squeezed. Select colorful stone fruit with smooth skin.
  • Different stone fruits contain different nutrients. Most stone fruits contain:
    • Dietary fiber to help manage weight, improve digestion and lower cholesterol.
    • Vitamin C to help heal wounds, keep teeth and gums healthy and support your immune system.
Prepare

Wash stone fruit before eating. To remove pit, use a small sharp knife to cut through to the pit. Cut all the way around the fruit. Hold fruit in your hands and gently twist in opposite directions. Remove the pit.

Try stone fruit:

  • Fresh as a delicious and nutritious snack
  • As a topping to oatmeal, cereal, yogurt or pancakes
  • Diced and mixed with sliced onions and vinegar for a simple salsa
Store
  • Leave stone fruits out at room temperature for a day or two to ripen. Once ripe, store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  • To freeze, remove pit and slice stone fruit into similar sized slices. Place slices on a parchment lined baking sheet and move to freezer for 24 hours. Place slices in freezer safe bag or container for up to a year.
How to cut stone fruit
How to cut stone fruit

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