Fruit

Prunus persica

S tier

Prunus persica is the peach and nectarine species—fuzzy or smooth-skinned stone fruit with yellow or white flesh, freestone or clingstone pits, and perfume that peaks in a narrow ripe window. Domestication traces to China; global orchards now span temperate and mild-winter climates with low-chill breeding. Fruit bruises once soft, so commercial picks often sacrifice full tree flavour for shipping firmness. Eat ripe freestones fresh; cook firm fruit into pies, cobblers, and grilled halves. Nectarines are the same species without trichomes on the skin, not a separate botanical fruit. “Peach” on a recipe usually means yellow-fleshed persica unless white or flat types are specified.