What You Need To Know About Aussie Summer Stonefruit and My Caramelised Peach Crumble Cups Recipe
Summer is here and that means Aussie Summer Stonefruit are in season! Whether you’d like a juicy peach, crunchy nectarine, smooth apricot or a tangy plum, there’s plenty of deliciously sweet and healthy stonefruit to choose from!
Here’s what you need to know about Aussie Summer Stonefruit.
Aussie Summer Stonefruit:
PEACHES
In Season: Dec-March
How To Pick a Ripe Peach: look for smooth skin and a sweet smell
Best Enjoyed: fresh when soft and juicy
Pair with: nuts, citrus, basil, cinnamon, cloves, honey
NECTARINES
In Season: Dec-March
How To Pick a Ripe Nectarine: look for white freckles on the top half
Best Enjoyed: fresh when firm and crunchy or soft and juicy
Pair with: nuts, lime, basil, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, fish
APRICOTS
In Season: Dec-Jan
How To Pick A Ripe Apricot: look for a deep yellow colour with a firmer feel
Best Enjoyed: fresh when soft and juicy
Pair with: vanilla, lemon, mint, nuts, cardamom, orange
PLUMS
In Season: Dec-May
How To Pick A Ripe Plum: look for rich colouring and a plump appearance
Best Enjoyed: fresh firm & tart or soft & juicy
Pair with: nuts, basil, mint, red wine
Aussie Summer Stonefruit Selection and Storage Tips:
Selection Tips:
- When picking stonefruit, choose ones that give slightly under pressure when pressed
- Choose Stonefruit that have a sweet fragrance and minimal bruising
Storage Tips:
- Store your stonefruit at room temperature until it reaches desired ripeness. To fasten the ripening process, place unripe stonefruit in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple.
- Once ripe, store stonefruit in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat it, remove from the fridge for an hour – you’ll get the best flavour at room temperature!
Health Benefits of Aussie Summer Stonefruit:
- Nectarines and Peaches – Boasting potassium, vitamin C and fibre, both fruits can help keep your muscles powering, your digestive health on point and your immune system in tip-top shape.
- Apricots – These are the lowest GI of the bunch and just two of these delicious little fruits provide a source of niacin, for a healthy nervous system and brain power.
- Plums – The humble plum is a source of vitamin A which is important for glowing skin and reproductive health.
So now that you know all about Aussie Summer Stonefruit, here is my Caramelised Peach Crumble Cups Recipe for you to try!
RECIPE: Caramelised Peach Crumble Cups
Ingredients:
Makes 4 serves
Caramelised Peaches
4 ripe Australian peaches*, stones removed and sliced into 8ths
1tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp olive spread
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup water
Crumble
2 cup rolled oats (or quinoa flakes for gluten free option)
1 cup almond meal
4 tbs olive spread, melted
4 tbs honey
2 tsp cinnamon
To Serve
2 cups natural/Greek/coconut yoghurt
Sprig of mint
Method:
1. Pre-heat oven to 180C.
2. For the crumble, combine rolled oats/quinoa flakes, almond meal and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey and olive spread, then add to dry mixture.
4. Spread mixture oven a lined baking tray and bake for 20minutes or until golden brown.
5. For the peaches, melt olive spread in a skillet on medium heat and mix in sugar. Pour in water and vanilla and mix.
6. Add peaches and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 4-6 minutes or until peaches have begun to soften.
7. To serve, divide each mixture into fours and layer yoghurt, peaches and crumble in 4 cups. Top with mint leaves.
8. Serve and enjoy.
*Remember to pick a ripe peach look for smooth skin and a sweet smell.
Editor’s Note: this post was written in partnership with Aussie Summer Stonefruit.
