Stone Fruits

Weight Equivalents: Plums

There are from 19 to 40 species of plums. Of these only two are of primary commercial use, the European and the Japanese plum. There are over 200 plum varieties derived from these two species, some sweet, some acidic, and some best suited for drying into prunes. European plums probably originated in … Read more

Weight Equivalents: Peach / Nectarine

Peaches and Nectarines are the same species, but for commercial purposes are considered two different fruits. The trees originated in Northwest China and were spread through trade and conquest (Armies and camp followers dropping the pits after eating the fruit).. Peaches/Nectarines should be firm, with no bruising, cuts, or soft spots. How … Read more

Weight Equivalents: Cherries

Cherry trees are native to the northern hemisphere with species in North America, Europe, and Asia. The two most common species (sweet cherries/sour cherries) for commercial cultivation are thought to have originated in or near the area of current day Armenia. Cherries should be semi soft to firm, with stems attached, no … Read more

Weight Equivalents: Apricot

The origin of Apricots is not known definately. Various sources place it in present day Armenia, the Russian/Chinese border area, or Northern India. Apricots have a firm low juice flesh that ranges from tart to sweet in taste, and have a smooth or velvety skin. Apricots should be firm with no bruising, … Read more