Produce
Nectarines
Nectarines are genetically peaches without the fuzz, and their residue profile tracks peaches closely — slightly lower on average, likely because the smooth skin sheds spray more readily.
Organic upgrade priority
Consider organic
Score 25/100 · about $2.25 a week extra for a household of two
- →Conventional samples index 74/100 against 27/100 for organic — a 47-point difference.
- →At about 2.3 servings a week, the difference applies to a smaller share of what you eat.
- →Sample confidence is limited, so the score is weighted down by 28%.
Key numbers
- Residue evidence
- 74/100
- Higher residue evidence
- Nutrient density
- 71/100
- Per calorie, across the whole database
- Typical price
- $2.79
- per lb · organic +54%
- Servings a week
- 2.3
- Per person, at typical purchase volume
- Samples
- 1,228
- Conventional, 2014–2015 · 28 organic
- Data confidence
- Limited
- Set from sample size and year coverage
Organic vs conventional nectarines
| Measure | Conventional | Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Samples analysed | 1,228 | 28 |
| Program years | 2014–2015 | 2014–2015 |
| Samples with any residue | 100% | 75% |
| Mean residues per sample | 4.7 | 0.9 |
| Samples above the EPA tolerance | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Relative residue evidence index | 74/100 | 27/100 |
| Typical price | $2.79 / lb | $4.29 / lb |
Nutrition
Per 1 medium (142 g).
62
calories
1.5 g
protein
2.4 g
fiber
11.2 g
sugar
- Vitamin C 12% DV
- Niacin 9% DV
- Beta-carotene
How to wash nectarines
A 20-second rub under running water is enough. Skip the soak — stone fruit absorbs water and goes mealy.
Washing reduces surface residue and soil. It does not remove systemic compounds taken up into the plant, and no soap, vinegar, or commercial produce wash has been shown to beat 30 seconds of plain running water by a margin worth paying for. Full washing guide.
Buying and storing
- ◆If a recipe calls for peaches, nectarines substitute one-for-one and save you the peeling step.
- ◆White-flesh nectarines are lower in acid, so they taste sweeter at the same sugar content — useful if you find yellow varieties tart.
Common questions
›Should I buy organic nectarines?
It is a reasonable upgrade when the budget allows, but not the first one to make. Nectarines scores 25/100 on organic upgrade priority, with conventional samples at 74/100 against 27/100 organic. At about $2.25 extra a week, it competes with several higher-priority items.
›Are nectarines high in pesticides?
Nectarines shows higher residue evidence — an index of 74/100 relative to other commodities. Across 1,228 conventional samples from 2014–2015, 100% contained at least one detected residue, averaging 4.7 distinct compounds per sample, and 0.00% exceeded the applicable EPA tolerance. A detection is not the same as an unsafe level.
›How much more does organic nectarines cost?
About 54% more at typical U.S. retail — $2.79 per lb conventional against $4.29 organic. For a household of 2 at normal purchase volume that is roughly $2.25 a week.
›How should I wash nectarines?
A 20-second rub under running water is enough. Skip the soak — stone fruit absorbs water and goes mealy.
›What can I buy instead of nectarines?
If the organic version is out of budget or the fresh price has spiked, Mangoes, Papaya, Kiwi cover similar ground on this list. Each one is either lower on residue evidence, cheaper per serving, or both.
Related foods
Kiwi
$0.79 / each · organic $1.19
Papaya
$4.49 / each
Nutrition 80/100 · 0.7 g protein · 2.5 g fiber
Not applicableMangoes
$1.69 / each · organic $2.69
Blackberries
$3.49 / 6 oz container · organic $4.99