Nothing says summer quite like biting into a perfectly ripe peach or enjoying a bowl of juicy cherries. From peaches and nectarines to plums, apricots, and cherries, stone fruits are one of the summer season's most delicious treasures. Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they're also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy (and often beautiful) addition to your summer menu.

At Nino Salvaggio, our produce department is filled with the freshest seasonal stone fruits, sourced at the peak of ripeness so you can enjoy the very best flavors of summer, right here in metro Detroit. 

What Are Stone Fruits?

Stone fruits get their name from the large pit, or "stone," found at their center. Popular varieties include:

• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Pluots (a plum-apricot hybrid)

These mouth-watering fruits are naturally sweet, hydrating, and rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Why Stone Fruits Are a Healthy Choice

Stone fruits offer a variety of health benefits:

• High in fiber to support digestion
• Naturally low in calories
• Rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation
• Excellent source of vitamin C for immune support
• Contain water and electrolytes that help keep you hydrated during hot summer months

Their natural sweetness also makes them a great alternative to processed desserts and sugary snacks.

7 Creative and Healthy Ways to Enjoy Stone Fruits

1. Add Them to Summer Salads

Slice peaches, nectarines, or plums and toss them into a salad with arugula, spinach, goat cheese, and toasted nuts. A light balsamic vinaigrette complements the fruit's natural sweetness beautifully. Speaking of summer salads, one of our favorites is the Founder’s Daughter Mediterranean Fruit Salad. This refreshing Mediterranean Fruit Salad combines sweet, juicy peaches, vibrant berries, and pomegranate with creamy burrata and mozzarella pearls. Topped with crushed pistachios, red onion, fresh basil, and mint, it’s finished with a drizzle of fresh orange juice, honey, and Partanna Orange EVOO for a burst of bright, citrusy flavor. A perfect summer appetizer or light side dish!

2. Grill for Extra Flavor

Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in stone fruits and enhances their flavor. This naturally sweet dessert is the perfect kiss of summer whether it's for a Sunday brunch, weeknight meal, or BBQ alternative to the traditional high sugary s’mores classic. 

Experiment this summer with:

• Grilled Peaches with Greek yogurt and honey
• Grilled nectarines alongside chicken or pork
• Grilled plums served with cottage cheese

3. Blend Into Smoothies

Stone fruits make an excellent smoothie ingredient.

Simply combine these ingredients into your blender for a summer stone fruit smoothie:

• Frozen peaches
• Greek yogurt
• Banana
• Spinach
• Almond milk

You'll get a creamy, protein-packed breakfast or post-workout snack. We also love this recipe for a Stone Fruit Smoothie Bowl packed with stone fruit, vanilla almond milk, vanilla yogurt (use Greek or Icelandic to boost your protein) and nut butters (we love Nino’s Homemade Nut Butters!), 

4. Create a Fresh Fruit Salsa

Traditional salsa is always a summer staple but this year we are spicing it up with stone fruits in our salsa. Get creative and experiment by adding stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines or plums to your traditional salsa recipes. Short on time? We offer salsa on our shelves at Nino’s that contain peaches or just dice up your own peaches, nectarines and plums and add them to any homemade or jarred salsa. Fresh Fruit Salsa is also wonderful served over grilled fish, chicken, shrimp, or even as a dip with baked tortilla chips. Check out our Nino Salvaggio’s Fresh Fruit Salsa Recipe and visit our Meat and Seafood Department to plan your perfect summer meal! 

5. Freeze for a Healthy Treat

Freeze sliced peaches, cherries, or plums for a naturally sweet frozen snack. Blend frozen peaches with a splash of milk for a simple "nice cream" that feels indulgent but remains nutritious.

6. Upgrade Your Breakfast

Top oatmeal, overnight oats, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt with fresh stone fruit and a sprinkle of granola or chopped almonds for added crunch.

7. Make Stone Fruit Skewers

Thread chunks of peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries onto skewers. Add strawberries or melon for color and variety. These are perfect for summer entertaining and make a beautiful addition to any cookout.

How to Pick the Best Stone Fruits

When shopping, look for fruit that:

• Has vibrant color
• Feels slightly soft when gently pressed
• Has a sweet, fragrant aroma
• Is free from bruises or shriveled skin

If your fruit isn't quite ripe, leave it on the counter for a few days before refrigerating. Still not sure which one to pick? That is what our incredible Produce Department is for! Just ask any Nino’s team member for assistance selecting the freshest stone fruit we have in stores. 

Enjoy the Taste of Summer at Nino Salvaggio

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, preparing healthy lunches, or simply looking for a refreshing snack, stone fruits are one of summer's most versatile ingredients. Visit your local Nino Salvaggio to explore our fresh selection and discover new ways to enjoy these seasonal favorites while they're at their peak.

Summer is short—make every juicy bite count!

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