Anatomy of Stone Fruit
You knew about stems and pits, but did you now that peaches, plums and nectarines have cheeks — and shoulders?
- Stem End
- The end at which fruit was attached to the tree. The depression around the stem is called the stem cavity.
- Background Color
- The yellow color on the skin of peaches and nectarines; golden yellow in yellow varieties and creamy yellow in white varieties.
- Pit or Stone
- The pit supports the fruit as it hangs from the stem and provides the pathway for nutrients flowing from the tree as the fruit grows.
- Suture
- The line running from the stem to the blossom end of the fruit.
- Shoulders
- The bulge around the stem cavity at the top of the fruit; it becomes full and rounded as the fruit matures.
- Blush
- The red color on a peach or nectarine caused by exposure to sunlight. Depending on the variety, it may cover from 10% to 100% of the fruit’s surface.
- Cheek
- The sides of the fruit on either side of the suture.
- Flesh
- The edible portion of a peach or nectarine.
- Blossom End or Tip
- The end opposite the stem.