What to do with nectarines after picking? Store, Ripen, and Preserve Your Harvest

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Nectarines, much like their peachy cousins, are climacteric fruits, meaning they continue to ripen after being picked. This means you can harvest them slightly firm and let them reach peak flavor at home. Knowing what to do with nectarines after picking is the key to enjoying their delicious, sun-ripened flavor for as long as possible, whether you plan to eat them fresh, bake with them, or preserve them for later.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on handling nectarines immediately after they are picked. Learn how to identify ripe fruit, use simple methods to speed up ripening, and employ different storage techniques, from short-term refrigeration to long-term freezing. Explore a variety of recipes to use your bountiful harvest.

Key Points

Sort by Ripeness: Separate firm, unripe nectarines from soft, ripe ones immediately after picking to manage storage and use effectively.
Ripen at Room Temperature: Unripe nectarines should be left on the counter or in a paper bag to fully ripen, which is a process accelerated by placing them near a banana or apple.
Refrigerate Ripe Fruit: Once nectarines are perfectly ripe, transfer them to the refrigerator to slow down further ripening and extend their shelf life for several days.
Preserve Excess Fruit: For abundant or overripe harvests, consider freezing sliced nectarines on a tray, canning them in syrup, or turning them into flavorful jam.
Explore Culinary Versatility: Nectarines are great for both sweet and savory dishes, including desserts like crisps and cobblers, summer salads, salsas, and grilled preparations.
Choose the Right Variety for the Job: Freestone nectarines are best for slicing and eating fresh, while clingstone varieties are ideal for jams and cooked applications.

Sorting and Storing Your Freshly Picked Nectarines

Upon harvesting your nectarines, the first step is to sort them based on their ripeness. This ensures you use or store them in the most effective way. Gently check each fruit for firmness. A ripe nectarine will have a slight give when pressed, and often emit a sweet aroma from the stem end.

How to Ripen Unripe Nectarines

For nectarines that are still firm and lack a fragrant smell, ripening is the next step. Never refrigerate unripe nectarines, as this can halt the process and cause chilling injury, leading to a mealy texture.

Room Temperature: Lay unripe nectarines in a single layer on the countertop, away from direct sunlight. This allows them to ripen slowly and evenly, which can take up to three days. For extra protection against bruising, consider placing them on a soft cloth or a layer of bubble wrap.
The Paper Bag Method: To accelerate ripening, place the nectarines in a brown paper bag. The bag traps the ethylene gas the fruit releases, speeding up the process. You can place an apple or banana in the bag for an even faster result, as they are also high ethylene producers. Avoid using plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause spoilage.

Storing Ripe Nectarines

Once a nectarine is perfectly ripe, its shelf life is short. To extend its freshness, move it to the refrigerator. Ripe nectarines can be stored in the crisper drawer for up to five days. For best flavor, allow them to return to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating. Always store them unwashed to avoid introducing extra moisture.

Preserving Your Nectarine Harvest

If you have a large bounty of nectarines, preservation is the best way to enjoy them year-round. This is especially useful for overripe fruit that is too soft for fresh eating but perfect for cooking.

Freezing Nectarines

Freezing is a simple and effective method for long-term storage.

Preparation: Choose ripe, blemish-free fruit. Wash and slice the nectarines, removing the pit. The skin is edible and can be left on, but it can also be removed by briefly blanching the fruit in boiling water.
Prevent Browning: To prevent the fruit from browning, toss the slices in a mixture of water and lemon juice.
Flash Freeze: Spread the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for about two hours, or until solid.
Package: Transfer the flash-frozen slices to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen nectarines are best used within six months.

Canning Nectarines

Canning is another excellent option for preserving nectarines, resulting in a shelf-stable product ideal for use in desserts or as a standalone treat. This process typically involves creating a light sugar syrup and processing sealed jars in a boiling water bath.

Making Nectarine Jam

Overripe, juicy nectarines are perfect for making jam. Many recipes exist, and some can be made without added pectin by relying on the pectin naturally present in the fruit's skin and seeds. A simple jam involves combining chopped nectarines, sugar, and lemon juice, then simmering the mixture until it thickens. Homemade nectarine jam can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks or canned for long-term pantry storage.

Culinary Uses for Your Nectarines

Beyond eating them fresh, nectarines can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Their distinct flavor profile, which can be slightly more tart than a peach, makes them a versatile ingredient.

Here are some delicious ways to use your nectarines:

Sweets and Desserts: Nectarine cobblers, crumbles, pies, and tarts are classic ways to highlight the fruit's sweet and tangy flavor.
Salsas and Toppings: A fresh nectarine salsa with jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. Sautéed nectarines with butter and a touch of balsamic vinegar can top pork chops.
Salads: Toss chopped nectarines into a summer salad with greens, feta cheese, toasted nuts, and a light vinaigrette. Grilled nectarine slices also add a smoky-sweet depth to salads.
Smoothies: For a quick and healthy treat, blend frozen or fresh nectarine slices into a smoothie.
Grilling: Grilling nectarine halves brings out their sweetness and adds a caramelized char. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt, honey, or ice cream for a simple, elegant dessert.

Comparison of Freestone and Clingstone Nectarines

Nectarines come in two main varieties: freestone and clingstone. Knowing the difference can inform your decision on how to use them best.


Feature	Freestone Nectarines	Clingstone Nectarines
Pit Adhesion	The pit is easily separated from the flesh.	The pit is firmly attached to the flesh.
Best Uses	Ideal for eating fresh, slicing, and preparing for recipes where the fruit needs to be neatly cut.	Better suited for jams, sauces, and recipes where the fruit is cooked down, as neat removal of the pit is less critical.
Availability	More common later in the summer season.	Often available earlier in the season.

Conclusion

From ripening to long-term storage and creative culinary applications, there are numerous ways to make the most of your fresh nectarine harvest. By properly handling your fruit from the moment it's picked, you can ensure a steady supply of this delicious stone fruit for both immediate enjoyment and future use. Whether you prefer a fresh, juicy snack or a baked crumble, these techniques will help you savor every bit of your bountiful yield.

For more detailed instructions on safe home food preservation, consult a reliable source like the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

To ripen firm nectarines, place them in a brown paper bag on the kitchen counter at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Adding an apple or banana to the bag will release ethylene gas and speed up the ripening process.

It is not recommended to freeze nectarines whole, as the pit can become bitter when frozen. For best results, it is better to peel, pit, and slice the nectarines before freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

A ripe nectarine will be relatively firm but give slightly under gentle pressure. It will also have a sweet, fragrant aroma, especially near the stem.

Ripe nectarines should be stored in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to slow down the ripening process and keep them fresh for up to 3 to 5 days. For optimal flavor, let them warm up slightly before eating.

Overripe nectarines, which are soft and juicy, are perfect for cooking. They can be used to make delicious jams, cobblers, crisps, smoothies, or sauces.

While the skin can be left on, especially for jam where it contributes pectin, you can remove it if you prefer. To remove the skin easily, blanch the nectarines in boiling water for about 30 seconds before cooling them rapidly in an ice bath.

The main difference is how the flesh clings to the pit. In freestone varieties, the pit removes easily, making them ideal for slicing. In clingstone varieties, the flesh sticks to the pit, making them better for cooking applications where neat slices aren't required.