A nectarine is a smooth-skinned variety of which other stoned fruit?

Nectarines originated in China over 2,000 years ago. They were developed from a peach by a natural mutation. In fact, nectarines are identical to peaches with the exception of one gene. The gene difference makes peaches fuzzy and nectarines smooth.

Nectarines are more delicate than peaches and are bruised and damaged easily. They are smaller than peaches and appear to be a redder color. However, the coloring difference is likely only perceived due to the fact that nectarines have no fuzz on them.

Nectarine trees must be grown in regions that have a cool winter period to allow the tree to lie dormant, or asleep, for a period of time, just like

apple trees. Naturally, the trees live for around 40 years and can reach 30 feet in height. However in orchards, the trees are kept at around 12 feet tall to make harvesting easier. The fruit is picked when not fully ripe, so they can be transported to grocery stores across the country.