As the bright summer sun graces us with its warmth, there's a delightfully colourful bounty awaiting our taste buds — stone fruits. From juicy peaches and plump plums to vibrant cherries and succulent apricots, these treats not only embody the essence of summer but also pack a punch of health benefits.
Known for their smooth skin and fleshy goodness surrounding a central pit, stone fruits are a versatile choice for a relaxed summer culinary experience.
This season, make the most of stone fruits by including them in your daily meals. Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants and dietary fibre, they offer a refreshing way to stay healthy while enjoying a variety of dishes.
With expert tips from Juicy Delicious, here’s how you can elevate your summer menu with these delightful fruits.
Create fresh summer salads: Combine juicy peaches, nectarines, and plums with fresh greens, nuts, and soft cheeses like feta or goat cheese for revitalising salads.
Get creative by incorporating finely sliced plums into your summer coleslaw.
Grill stone fruit for a braai twist: Take your braai to the next level by grilling stone fruits, serving them as a sweet, caramelised side dish, or even as a dessert served alongside a scoop of ice cream.
Whip up delicious smoothies: Blend nectarines, plums, or peaches with yoghurt or coconut water for a hydrating, nutrient-packed summer smoothie that’s perfect for those hot days.
Bake with stone fruit: Utilise your stone fruits in delightful pies, tarts, and cobblers. These desserts highlight the natural sweetness of the season and are perfect to share at festive gatherings.
Make homemade jams and preserves: Capture the tastes of summer by making stone fruit jams. Not only do they provide year-round enjoyment, but they also make wonderful gifts during the holiday season.
Enjoy stone fruit cocktails and mocktails: Craft refreshing drinks by mixing peach or plum purée with sparkling water, lemon juice and mint for a mocktail. For a twist on cocktails, combine with gin or vodka.
Infuse water with stone fruit: Enhance your hydration routine by adding slices of fresh peaches or nectarines to water for a subtly sweet and fruity infusion.
Prepare picnic charcuterie boards: Create a vibrant summer grazing board by pairing fresh stone fruit with cheeses, cold meats and nuts — perfect for outdoor dining.
Chop stone fruit into salsas: Enhance your culinary creations by mixing peaches or nectarines with tomatoes, onions, and coriander for a sweet and tangy salsa, perfect as a topping for grilled fish, chicken or brinjals.
To inspire your culinary creativity further, here’s a simple recipe to kickstart your stone fruit journey this summer.
Zola Nene’s nectarine, maple and yoghurt popsicles
Makes: 8
Ingredients
3 nectarines, chopped
½ orange juice (reserve the zest for the yoghurt layer)
2 tbsp. maple syrup
250ml full cream plain yoghurt
100ml milk
Zest of one orange, finely grated
¼ cup maple syrup
100g ginger biscuits, crushed
4 tbsp. melted butter
To serve
50g dark chocolate, melted
Method
Place the nectarines, orange juice, and maple syrup into a pot, then simmer until the nectarines are soft.
Place into a blender and puree until smooth.
Spoon nectarine puree ⅓ full into the lolly moulds.
Whisk together the yoghurt, milk, orange zest, and maple syrup. Carefully spoon into the moulds onto the fruit mixture, leaving space for the cookie mixture.
Mix the crushed ginger biscuits and butter, then add as the final layer in the lolly moulds.
Carefully push the lolly sticks through, then freeze until completely set before unmolding.
Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate.