First things first: A nectarine is a type of peach. “When I walk through our orchard, if there aren’t peaches or nectarines on the trees, there is zero way to tell the difference [between the trees],” says Steve Johnston, a sixth-generation farmer and the owner of Apple Castle in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

But as you probably know from the grocery store or farmers market, nectarines are sold separately — and they’re fuzz-free. Although peaches and nectarines are almost genetically identical, nectarine fruits have smooth skin that is caused by a genetic variation. 

Beyond appearances, nectarines are beloved by many for their tangy-sweet flavor and soft skins that yield easily to cooking and baking. “Peaches are much more popular than nectarines, but I will eat 10 nectarines for every single peach I eat,” says Johnston. Here’s a breakdown of these summer stone fruits. 

The similarities 

Nectarines and peaches both grow on trees with the scientific name Prunus persica that was first domesticated and cultivated in China. They’re both stone fruits with “stones,” or pits, in the center which are actually seeds. Both peaches and nectarines come in freestone and clingstone varieties, which refer to whether the flesh of the fruit is attached to the pit (as the name implies, freestone peaches and nectarines are not attached to the pit). Peaches and nectarines also both come in sweeter white and higher-acid yellow varieties. They’re in season in the U.S. from around May to September, with peak season in July and August. 

The differences

Texture

Biologically speaking, nectarines have a recessive allele that causes their skin to be smooth and slightly glossy, whereas peaches have trademark fuzzy skin. On the inside, some say the flesh of nectarines is slightly firmer and denser. Nectarines also tend to be more delicate than peaches and will show more imperfections, which is why they’re less commonly grown than peaches, says Johnston. 

Color 

Peaches usually have a creamy yellow-orange color (called the “background color” by farmers) with a red side from sun exposure. Nectarines tend to be much redder, and may be entirely red. 

Size

While it varies based on varieties, nectarines tend to be slightly smaller than peaches, says Johnston.

Taste 

Since a nectarine is technically a type of peach, these two fruits have a very similar flavor. However, Johnston finds most nectarines to be a little tangier. 

Uses

You can use nectarines in peach recipes and vice versa. “They’re totally interchangeable,” says Johnston. Try peaches or nectarines in a classic peach pie, peach caprese salad, or nectarine cobbler. 

Johnston notes, however, that nectarines don’t have to be peeled, which can make them easier to work with and can also contribute flavor. “I would almost say I prefer a nectarine pie over a peach pie,” he says. “With the skin on nectarines develop this beautiful ruby red color.” You can also use skin-on nectarines for stewed nectarines or a vibrantly-hued jam.