Nectarine

nectarine, (Prunus persica), smooth-skinned peach of the rose family (Rosaceae) that is grown throughout the warmer temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. A genetic variant of common peaches, the nectarine was most likely domesticated in China more than 4,000 years ago. The expression of a recessive allele is thought to be responsible for the smooth skin of nectarine fruits, which lack the fuzzy trichomes (plant hairs) characteristic of peach fruits. Nectarines are a source of vitamins A and C and are commonly eaten fresh or cooked in conserves, jams, and pies.