A mango nectarine - sounds more like a new Starburst flavor than any actual fruit. Yet I found a piece of produce proudly bearing that name at Plum Market in Ann Arbor, Michigan (2011) and Hiller's in Ann Arbor (2013). The color of this fruit resembles a yellow mango. There is no red to be found anywhere on this fruit, no even a hint. This goes against the American concept of stone fruit: the redder the better.
So where did this crazy fruit come from? No this is not a cross between a mango and a nectarine. And no this isn't a GMO. It's simply two pale varieties of heirloom nectarines crossbred in California. Red never use to be the dominant color of a nectarine, most of them were more yellow. But as I indicated above the American people like their nectarines and peaches to have a red skin.
My Experience with this Fruit (Rating Scale 1-10)
Acidity: 4
Flavor: 6
Sweetness: 6
Juiciness: 3
Overall Feeling: First off the mango nectarine is a freestone. The pit is easy to remove. The texture of this nectarine had a creamy mouth feel. My taste buds were left with an aftertaste similar to a mango. The skin was nice and smooth, pleasing on the tongue. It was sweet, no as much as white flesh varieties. It's a pleasant change in the traditional nectarine, which I do still prefer - but I do enjoy this change up. If you have a chance give them a try, especially if you love mangoes as I think you would appreciate the slight take on the mango.
These nectarines are going to be harder to come by. Look for them in the month of July. I have only seen them in the 2 stores I mentioned above. As for price, I have paid $2.49/lb in 2011, and $1.99/lb in 2013. I have seen pictures of them going for up to $3.99/lb.
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