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Nectar is the drink of the gods, and nectarines are the epitome of lush summer fecundity. They are not, as myth has it, a cross between a peach and a plum. While they are a separate fruit of the same species, nectarines have been known to bud on peach trees.

At this time they should be divinely ripe with soft, smooth skin. Avoid fruit that has slightly wrinkled skin, as this can be a sign of long-term cold storage. Farmers’ markets are an obvious stop for excellent fruit, but why not go one better and pick your own?

Beyond the thrill of legitimately plundering an orchard, there’s the satisfaction of selecting only the best (visit www.pickyourown.org/australia.htm). An abundance of nectarines is easily dealt with. Fill a basket as a table centrepiece, then offer it round as dessert with cheese or a little cream on the side, or try poaching halves in water with sugar and rosewater, then serve... read on below advertisment



sprinkled with slivered, toasted almonds.

Photography: Sam McAdam. Styling: Aimee Jones.