Something is enchanting about summer’s bounty of stone fruits: peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots. These golden gems, fragrant and juice-heavy, are the essence of the season.
With their versatility and natural sweetness, they’re more than snacks for barefoot afternoons; they elevate your summer cooking, whether for a quick solo dinner, a festive family meal or to impress guests.
South African chefs are showcasing just how transformative stone fruits can be, weaving them into everything from smoky braai dishes to decadent desserts.
And the best part? You can, too, without needing a Michelin star or a pantry full of fancy ingredients.
Why cook with fruit?
Cooking fruit unlocks a whole new spectrum of flavours and textures. Grilling, poaching, roasting or baking intensifies the natural sugars, creating that perfect balance of sweet and savoury.
Even unripe fruit reveals hidden sweetness when exposed to heat. Think lightly charred peach slices on salad, roasted plums for tangy chutney, or caramelised nectarines topping a simple cake.
And it’s not just about desserts. Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and even chillies, can transform stone fruits into savoury delights. The result? Layers of flavour that bring a vibrant twist to your summer meals.
“These last weeks of summer bring locally grown stone fruit at its most generous. Peaches, nectarines, and plums suit outdoor tables perfectly sliced into salads, grilled over coals, baked into desserts, or simply eaten straight from the bowl.
“Stone fruits work across it all, bright against savoury flavours, refreshing after smoky food, or naturally sweet at the end of a meal,” said Wilechia van der Westhuizen, spokesperson for Juicy Delicious.
Recipes that you will fall in love with
To show how versatile stone fruits can be, South African chefs are stepping up with recipes that are as inspiring as they are approachable. Here are some of their standout ideas:
1. Sweet meets savoury: Stone fruit and grilled meats
Shawn Godfrey, aka The Roasted Dad, “MasterChef SA” season four winner, pairs grilled chicken wings with a vibrant peach, avocado, mint, and basil salsa. Marinated in mango achar and sriracha mayo, the wings are grilled and braised for a smoky-sweet finish.
His nectarine tarte tatin, baked in a kettle braai, takes dessert to a new level, juicy nectarines caramelised with vanilla, thyme and walnuts, all topped with puff pastry and served warm with ice cream.
2. Simple and elegant: Stone fruit flatbreads
Masego Mbonyana, chef and recipe developer, creates a quick summer favourite with her grilled nectarine, prosciutto and mozzarella flatbreads.
The lightly caramelised nectarines paired with salty charcuterie and creamy cheese make the perfect combo for a relaxed evening meal. For dessert, her stone fruit skewers with amasi ice cream are a no-churn treat that’s as easy as it is delicious.
3. Sticky and sweet: Plum-perfect pairings
Justine Drake, cookbook author and “MasterChef SA” judge, highlights plums in her pork rashers with sticky plum sauce and fresh plum salsa. The tangy sweetness of plums balances perfectly with tender pork, while her spiced plum rum cocktail is a refreshing way to toast the season.
4. Delectable desserts: Stone fruit made simple
Celebrity chef Jenny Morris turns peaches into show-stoppers with her caramelised peach and cream cheese cups.
For something savoury, her peachy piccalilli adds a sweet, tangy touch to cheese boards and picnic spreads.
How to get started
- Experiment with cooking techniques: Grill peach halves for a smoky-sweet salad topping, or roast nectarines with honey and thyme for a quick side dish.
- Pair with savoury flavours: Try stone fruits with meats like pork, chicken, or lamb, or pair with salty cheeses like feta or halloumi.
- Preserve the season: Make jams, chutneys, or infused syrups to enjoy the taste of summer long after it’s gone.
- Keep it simple: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy stone fruits is as they are sliced, juicy, and utterly perfect.
Stone fruits are more than just delicious; they offer a chance to explore new flavours and textures in your cooking.
Whether you’re grilling on the braai, experimenting with sauces, or crafting an Insta-worthy dessert, there’s no better way to celebrate summer’s end than with these seasonal treasures.
