South Africans love the first signs of summer. Longer evenings. Meals moving outdoors. Friends gathering around the table to enjoy good conversation and something fresh and delicious to eat.
And then there is the arrival of the season’s first peaches, nectarines and plums.
Colourful, fragrant and naturally sweet, the early season stone fruit varieties bring sunshine, joy and the essence of summer into our kitchens.
“It’s a time to celebrate the fantastic bounty of our locally grown, world class stone fruit,” says Wilechia van der Westhuizen, spokesperson for Juicy Delicious. “Right from the start of summer, freshly harvested peaches, nectarines and plums arrive at our favourite stores. They are so flavourful, juicy and versatile that there are unlimited ways to enjoy them. But, when the fruit is this good, you want to keep it simple and let the fruit shine.”
The Juicy Delicious lazy summer guide to stone fruit
Fresh and ripe is the simplest way to enjoy peaches, nectarines and plums. The goal is to celebrate the fruit itself, rather than getting into complicated, busy recipes. Whether you are pairing stone fruit with sweet or savoury, it needs so little to shine. Rather think of two or three ingredients. That way you can enjoy quick assembly and minimal cooking.
For instance, a first-of-the-season, perfectly ripe dessert peach doesn’t need intricate preparation. Paired with creamy cheese, a drizzle of honey and fresh herbs or crisp greens and grilled seafood, it becomes the natural hero of the plate.
7 effortless ways to enjoy South African stone fruit this summer:
- Sweet meets savoury with these succulent Cheesy Peach and Ham Kebabs perfect for alfresco eating, lunch boxes, picnics and healthy snacking. It takes minutes to make but the enjoyment lingers.
- Light, elegant and fresh, these Prawn and Nectarine filled Vietnamese Spring Rolls are packed with fresh crunchy veg, flavourful herbs, succulent nectarines and delectable tiger prawns.
- Blend sweet, salty and umami in this Peach and Parmesan Summer Salad which is served on a bed of peppery salad leaves. It’s a flavour bomb, quickly assembled for a poolside lunch or as the braai side dish with the wow-factor.
- Put simplicity to the test with this Honey, Lemon and Thyme Stone Fruit Salad. Effortless, fresh flavours in an unusual combination meld together beautifully for a fresh, light side dish.
- Elevate the lazy summer brunch with Sheet Pan Cottage Cheese Pancake and Summer Fruit Slaw. Top a cottage cheese tray pancake with thinly sliced nectarines and peaches tossed in lime juice and honey. It’s simple, but such a spoil!
- This Nacho and Stone Fruit Dip Platter is perfect for starters, parties, braais, picnics, game nights and even lunchboxes. Whipped feta with nectarines and guacamole with peaches provide the taste sensations.
- The Juicy Delicious recipe for a Stone Fruit Grazing Board with Pickled Plums, Cheese and Cold Meats is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of summer. Layered with pickled plums, fresh stone fruit, cheeses and charcuterie, it looks impressive and is easy to put together. Perfect for sharing and scrumptious!
Wilechia adds, “As South Africa welcomes this year’s stone fruit season, think simple: start with exceptional fruit and let it do most of the work. When peaches, nectarines and plums are fresh, ripe and locally grown, the best recipes are often the simplest ones.”
Stone fruit has always been among summer’s most versatile ingredients. Naturally juicy, peaches, nectarines and plums contribute to hydration when the days get hotter. Stone fruit is also rich in vitamins and fibre. They pair beautifully with other fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as protein rich foods such as meats and cheeses. Stone fruit not only fits comfortably into healthy lifestyles, but it is also highly appealing to young and old so that everyone can embrace the joys of summer.
For inspiration and recipe ideas, follow @juicydelicioussa on Instagram or visit www.juicydelicious.co.za
