Prunus Plat - Nectarine tree

The Nectarine tree or Prunus persica var. nucipersa 'Plat' is an original variety that produces flat yellow nectarines in late summer. The tree is of medium vigour, blooms pink in April and has tasty fruits which hide fine, juicy and sweet yellow flesh beneath smooth red skin. The nectarine tree is self-fertile, has a short lifespan, and is slightly less resistant than the peach tree. Like its close relative, it is sensitive to peach leaf curl and requires regular treatments from the end of winter. Plant it in the sun, in loose, fertile soil that remains moist in summer. Harvest in August-September.

The species name "persica" was given to the peach tree, which was thought to be native to Persia. In reality, all cultivated forms of peach trees are native to northern China. The Nectarine, in Latin Prunus persica nucipersa, is the result of a natural mutation of the peach tree that occurred in the 16th century. It is a small, deciduous, hardy tree that can be grown in all temperate regions, with a preference for the southern half: its early spring blossom can be destroyed by late frosts. The nectarine has smooth and shiny skin, its flesh is yellow or white, but its stone is free, while that of the peach adheres to the flesh.

Like many fruit trees, the 'Plat' Nectarine tree appreciates the sun, heat, and shelter from strong winds. It thrives in any deep, balanced, loose, and fertile soil and does not tolerate excessive water or heavy, compact, excessively clayey soils. It is a tree of medium vigour, which will reach about 3 m (10ft) high by 2 m (7ft) in spread. Its rather short trunk has many branches with more or less vertical growth, giving it a slightly open, spreading habit. The nectarine tree begins to bear fruit at around 7 years of age and its lifespan does not exceed 15 to 20 years.

Its deciduous foliage is bright green and emits a slight almond scent. Its leaves are 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wide, with a short petiole. Its light pink blossom appears in early April, which is rather late for a nectarine tree. This requires placing the tree in a particularly sunny and wind-protected location in the north. The flowers are hermaphroditic and self-fertile. The fruiting results in medium-sized fruits, red-pink at maturity, flat and irregular, ready to be harvested towards the end of August or early September. Because they remain firm, the harvest can spread over several weeks. Nectarines picked a little hard will continue to ripen in the house. This tree does not require too much maintenance, except for some preventive treatments against peach leaf curl. It tolerates severe pruning, but not every year.

On the table or in the kitchen: Nectarines can be enjoyed raw, cooked, sweetened, salted, flambéed, in tarts, glazed, or deglazed. They pair very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck. They can be found in numerous recipes, including jams, compotes, pastries,...