Celebrate Summer With Stone Fruit
Stone fruit is the epitome of summer—there’s nothing like the juice that runs out with every bite. This produce category includes all fruits that have a pit on the inside that encases its seed: think peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries.
At FreshDirect, we’ve got relationships with growers, both locally in New York and beyond. Our partners breed some of the most unique and exceptional fruit on the market. During the peak summer months, you’ll find dozens of varieties of stone fruit on the site—far more than the two or three at your local grocery store. All of them are excellent in salads, atop desserts, or simply on their own in all of their ripe, sweet goodness. Here’s the basic info on the wide selection that we offer for delivery in the greater New York City area, alongside the rest of your grocery list.
FreshDirect Partner: Family Tree Farms
Three generations of the Jackson family make up this business that grows the most unique and flavorful fruit varieties. Each one of their offerings has gone through a meticulous selection process and only makes the cut after extensive tastings from fruit test pilots and global breeding programs. Every year, we anticipate the arrival of special gems like their many stone fruit varieties because we know they’ll reflect the Jacksons’ expertise and dedication to delivering the most perfect fruits around.
Stone fruit varieties on FreshDirect
Peaches
The sweet, full flavor of a ripe peach insists that it’s summer: everything about the eating experience—the enticing smell, the juicy flesh, even the downy fuzz—makes you understand what “peachy” really means. Nothing encapsulates that better than a classic yellow peach—especially a Georgia peach. The deliciousness doesn’t stop there, however.
White peaches are exceptionally soft and smooth, with a flavor that’s mild, delicate, and deliciously sweet. Donut peaches have a flattened shape with flesh that packs in extra richness. And for a treat that tastes exactly like a dessert, try Family Tree Farms’ heirloom peach pie variety, which has a flavor that matches its namesake.
Nectarines
The yellow nectarine is close kin to a peach. The family resemblance is obvious from the first bite: its golden flesh is soft and juicy; its flavor is sweet, with just enough tang to keep everything in balance. The biggest difference? No fuzz. The smooth, plum-like skin is one of the nectarine’s biggest assets.
For even more silky, sweet deliciousness, try white nectarines, which have a mild, honey-like flavor with less acidity. Or for a truly seasonal treat, we love Family Tree Farms’ Pearlicious variety, which bursts with floral aromas.
Plums
Plums encompass a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, with flavors that range from sugar sweet to brightly tart. They’re enjoyed the world over, and all types share in common smooth skin and a juicy, plush inside.
Black plums are a classic example of everything this fruit is about—they’ve got a clean, gentle flavor that’s delightful as is, but it really shines in preserves and baked goods. When it comes to snacking, Plumogranates are a winner, with crimson red, juicy flesh and an intense flavor. And for a fun hybrid, try the ruby-hued red plumcot.
Apricots
Apricots’ sweetness is more subdued, but never without a bright tanginess too. They’re great for snacking, or you can cut ’em up and plop ’em on ice cream, bake them into tarts, or cook them into a sauce for pork or chicken. Just make sure to let them ripen ’til they yield to a gentle squeeze: that’s an apricot’s way of letting you know it’s ready.
While it’s hard to go wrong with a traditional apricot, there a few varieties worth getting to know as well. Raspberry apricots reward with a stunning blush and tart-sweet juiciness, while Sunset apricots have big aromatics and extra sugars. And plum-apricot hybrids are where things get exciting, with novel variations the Bella Jewel aprium.
Cherries
Because of their small size, you may think of cherries as a berry. But botanically speaking, they’re very much a stone fruit. Most cherries are grown on the west coast, with California cherries being lighter colored with a noticeable crunch and Washington cherries tending toward darker, bigger, and plushly soft. Either way, when they’re in season, they shouldn’t be missed—enjoying a bowlful of fresh cherries is one of summer’s best treats.
For a classic cherry flavor that lends itself well to baking, go with red cherries. White Rainier cherries which are much more delicate, are best eaten fresh—for peak cherry deliciousness, try them in a jumbo size.