Prunus persica var. nucipersica - Brugnon Nectarine tree

The Organic White Flesh Flat Nectarine is a fairly late variety of white nectarine, appreciated for its colourful and flattened fruits. It produces medium-sized nectarines, measuring 7 to 9 centimetres (3 to 4 inches) in diameter and weighing 110 to 150 grams. The fruits are round and distinctly flattened at both ends. The skin is fairly thin, smooth, and shiny, with a dark red colouration on a yellow-orange background. The white flesh is of excellent quality, fine-textured, and juicy, with a sweet and fragrant flavour, surrounding a stone that separates easily. Flowering occurs in March and is particularly dazzling, with fruit ripening from August to September. Like the peach, its close relative, the nectarine tree is susceptible to peach leaf curl and spring frosts, preferring a warm, well-ventilated, sunny, and sheltered position.

The Common Peach (Prunus persica) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, originating from China in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions around 500 BC. It appeared in Europe in the 6th century and experienced significant development in the 19th century. Numerous selections aimed at improving the fruit's taste qualities have been made. The Nectarine, scientifically known as Prunus persica nucipersa, is a natural mutation of the peach that occurred in the 16th century. 

The Flat White Flesh Nectarine variety forms a small tree with a fairly upright framework and a spreading habit, reaching approximately 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in height and 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet) in diameter at maturity. Its habit is well-suited to low forms (such as goblet) or espaliers. The foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wide, with serrated and wavy edges. The leaves are a vibrant green, turning yellow-orange in autumn before falling and have a slight almond fragrance. In late March, pale pink, 2 to 3 cm (1in) diameter flowers, appear singly on the previous year's branches. They can be damaged by temperatures below -2 to -3°C. The tree is fairly hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C, and can be grown in all temperate regions, with a preference for southern regions. Its early spring flowering can be damaged by late frosts. If grown in the north, it should be planted in a sunny and sheltered location. Its spring blossom is remarkably decorative and attractive to bees and other pollinators. It is a self-fertile variety, not requiring other peach trees nearby for pollination, although the presence of another nectarine tree will improve fertility. To obtain beautiful nectarines, remove some fruits as soon as they appear.

This variety is fertile and can yield a more or less abundant harvest depending on the year. It starts bearing fruit quite quickly, around 3 to 5 years, with optimal production occurring after 5 to 7 years. It is slightly less resilient than the peach tree and has a relatively short lifespan, not exceeding 15 to 20 years. The fruits are harvested from mid-August to mid-September as they ripen. Nectarines are delicate fruits and should be harvested carefully by hand. They are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and potassium. Their high content of vitamins C, E, and B3, as well as their fibre content, make nectarines a healthy choice. They are invigorating, energizing, and hydrating. Nectarines that are picked slightly unripe will continue to ripen indoors and can be stored for up to a week in a cool, dark place.

The delicious fruits can be eaten straight from the tree. They are also ideal for making compotes, smoothies, ice creams, sorbets, tarts, clafoutis, pastries, fruit salads, or accompanying savoury dishes such as duck, rabbit, chicken, salmon, or cod. Nectarines are also perfect for making juices or fruit syrups. With their high water content, nectarines are refreshing and thirst-quenching. Their firm flesh is satisfying.

Like many fruit trees, the nectarine tree prefers rich, deep, and well-drained soils. It does not tolerate excess water, heavy and compact soils, or limestone soils. It prefers a sunny position, sheltered from drafts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure is ideal. In regions with frequent late spring frosts, it can be trained against a south-facing wall. Popular for its fruit, the nectarine tree fits well in the garden, delighting both young and old. With a wide range of varieties available, it is easy to find one to suit your preferences.