{"title":"Best Peaches \u0026 Nectarines for Fresh Eating","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 6 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for eating out of hand. Scored on flavor, texture and how well the fruit holds its quality, drawing on published tastings, extension trials and the historical pomologies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"blushingstar-peach","title":"Blushingstar Peach","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardy down to zone 4b, this beautiful red- and white-skinned peach has the same cold hardiness as Blushingstar, PF-24C, and Reliance. A heavy-bearing freestone peach, Blushingstar does not brown when cut, which makes it great for serving fresh (like in salads), but also excellent for canning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAs with all peaches (and nectarines), even though they’re self-fertile, they perform best when planted with a partner. Any of our other peach varieties would work fine for pollination. Freestone. Hardy to zone 4, as they have survived our -25°F on 1\/13\/24 without any damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT PLANT\u003c\/strong\u003e if you are in an area that has the potential to see lower than -30°F. None of the peaches—except for Contender (-33°F) and Siberian Peach (-38°F)—can survive sub -30°F temperatures in our experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eTrees are 5–7 ft tall and grafted onto Lovell full size rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498929459266,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/blushingstar-peach-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"contender-peach","title":"Contender Peach","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eContender is one of the more consistent-bearing and cold-hardy varieties of peach grown in Montana. We would rank Contender right behind Siberian C in terms of hardiness (although still a decent bit less hardy than Siberian C which we would put around -38°F), as this is the only commercial cultivar that has survived temperatures in the -30s (specifically, -32°F). It also has excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTaste notes from our 2022 company tasting of Forbidden Fruit’s Contenders:\u003cbr\u003e“Very yellow. Texture is great. Melts in your mouth. Not fibrous. Able to crush it on your palate. Not too sweet.”\u003cbr\u003eAnother noted: “Equally sweet and tart. Not fibrous or stringy. Likes it. Skin gives it a nice touch.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone 4. On top of surviving -32°F, they survived our -25°F on 1\/13\/24 without any winter injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDO NOT PLANT if you are in an area that has the potential to see lower than -32°F (unless well sited to avoid frost pooling, thermal buffering features nearby such as buildings or bodies of water, lots of air drainage, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese Contender trees are grafted onto semi-dwarf Krymsk 86, Prairie Red Plum, Native Plum, and Manchurian apricot rootstock, the former of which will make for a 15 ft tree at maturity, and the latter three roughly 20 ft., respectively.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498995486786,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498995519554,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45125081595970,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125081628738,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125081661506,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/contender-peach-in-hand.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"red-gold-nectarine","title":"Red Gold Nectarine","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRed Gold is one of the most well-known and widely planted of all nectarines. A vibrant red-colored nectarine with firm and juicy freestone flesh, it stores and keeps well. As with all nectarine cultivars, Red Gold does not require cross-pollination, as it bears fruit with its own pollen. Plant with any of our other nectarines for slightly more fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAs for the flavor, Red Gold is one of the best tasting nectarines. This is Tom McCamant’s best performing taste wise from his Forbidden Fruit Orchard in Paradise, MT. His favorite nectarine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Regional Suitability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn line with all other nectarines, it should not be planted if you are in zone 4. It can survive in protected spots in Missoula, and only the absolute warmest microclimates in Montana (in good spots around Flathead Lake, warm spots along the Flathead River near Dixon\/Paradise) but will not survive in most parts of Montana. Hardy to about -27°F to maybe even -30°F but this might even be pushing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are 5–7 ft tall and are grafted onto Lovell rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503721156674,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-gold-nectarine-on-tree.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"fantasia-nectarine","title":"Fantasia Nectarine","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eNote: Although this is the first year of us growing Fantasia, most of this information is secondhand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"299\"\u003eFantasia Nectarine is a classic freestone nectarine known for its large size, bright red skin, and excellent dessert quality. Developed in California in the mid-20th century, it became popular for its rich flavor, attractive appearance, and reliable productivity in warm, sunny sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"327\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"549\"\u003eFantasia produces large, yellow-fleshed nectarines with firm, juicy flesh and a balanced sweet-tart flavor. The fruit is freestone when fully ripe and well suited for fresh eating, slicing, desserts, and light processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"551\" data-end=\"581\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"926\"\u003eTrees are vigorous with an upright to spreading habit and benefit from regular pruning and thinning. Fantasia is likely as hardy as the other nectarines we have grown, and could possibly survive -25F midwinter as its absolute minimum winter temp tolerance. So should only be planted in a solid zone 5 (still with good protection) or better yet zone 6. Like most nectarines, flower buds are sensitive to spring frosts, so site selection is important in marginal climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching","offer_id":42539400691778,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45181662822466,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45181662855234,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/fantasia-nectarine-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"mericrest-nectarine","title":"Mericrest Nectarine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45178335297602,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45178335330370,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45178335363138,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45178335395906,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_f5b89eb2-4791-447d-aa25-3b94e0454695.png?v=1788909037"},{"product_id":"flavortop-nectarine","title":"Flavortop Nectarine","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45181661184066,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45181662625858,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_1c6b8817-5e6f-433d-9444-b5fb1f4cac92.png?v=1788986697"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-peaches-nectarines-for-fresh-eating.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}