Nectarines – July 2015

Nectarines – A Deliciously Sweet, California Treat!

The nectarine harvest is underway in our Bella Viva Orchards! Radiant colors marked with sun kissed spots let us know that the fruit is bursting with flavor and loaded with sweetness. We hand pick our nectarines, which allows us to closely monitor the fruit until they reach peak ripeness; a task that requires much more attention to detail while enduring the current drought conditions coupled with the recent high temperatures we are experiencing here in California. After the harvest, our proprietary drying process begins within 24 hours to ensure the best flavor and texture possible for our customers. Currently our dry yard is a mosaic of brilliant red, yellow and orange colors and there is tantalizingly sweet aroma wafting through the air. With several tasty varieties to choose from including conventionals, naturals and organics you can’t go wrong with Bella Viva dried nectarines. We invite you come down to the store or order online and enjoy the good life!

The health benefits of nectarines have been studied for years. Researchers from the University of California, Davis studied the antioxidant activity of a variety of California grown nectarines, peaches and plums (UCD). They found a strong correlation between total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the fruit. According to the University of Hong Kong natural phenolic compounds such as; phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins play an important role in cancer prevention. Phenolic compounds “[regulate] carcinogen metabolism and ontogenesis expression, inhibiting DNA binding and cell adhesion, migration, proliferation or differentiation, and blocking signaling pathways (UHK).”

Fun Facts About Nectarines!

• The nectarine is a smooth-skinned genetic variant of the peach (Encyclopedia Britannica).
• Nectarines are members of the Rosaceae family (Encyclopedia Britannica).
• It is believed that nectarines were originally domesticated about 4,000 years ago in China (Encyclopedia Britannica).
• Researchers from the University of California, Davis have found a correlation between total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of nectarines (UCD).
• According to the University of Hong Kong natural phenolic compounds play an important role in cancer prevention (UHK).

Matthew Muller
Bella Viva Copywriter

Thanks for choosing Bella Viva Orchards!