Fruit

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

S tier

Prunus persica var. nucipersica is the botanical grouping for smooth-skinned peaches sold as nectarines—same species as fuzzy peach, differing mainly in a recessive trait that removes dense peel fuzz. Fruit may be yellow- or white-fleshed, freestone or clingstone, and ranges from melting dessert types to firmer shipping clones. Skin carries a sharper aromatic edge than peach fuzz mutes, so fully ripe fruit can taste more intense out of hand. When a recipe or produce label says nectarine without a cultivar, it points to this variety complex of commercial and garden clones rather than a single named selection. Handle more carefully than peaches: bruises show as dark patches on the bare skin. California, Mediterranean Europe, Chile, and Australia dominate seasonal trade in nucipersica types.