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Stone fruits are fruits with a stone, or pit, at the centre surrounded by soft, juicy flesh and a thin outer skin. The seed of the parent plant is contained within the pit, and is distributed with the help of animals, who take the fruit away to eat. This means that stone fruits have evolved to be particularly tempting in order to attract the attention of passing animals. They often have eye-catching colours, a delicious fragrance, and, of course, a mouthwatering flavour.
There are many different types of stone fruit, most of which are available as either ‘clingstone’ or ‘freestone’ varieties, which refers to how easy their stones are to remove. Stone fruits are at their best when they’re in season, but if you can’t wait a year for your favourite, there are several ways to preserve them, including drying, freezing and canning.
Find out more about stone fruit with our guide to some of the most popular.
Peaches
Known for their fuzzy skin and nectar-like fragrance, peaches are one of the most popular varieties of stone fruit. They are available in yellow or white varieties, and can be grilled, baked in cobblers and pies, or made into a Peach Bellini cocktail.
Plums
Thought to be one of the first fruits domesticated by humans, plums come in many different varieties, including black, red and yellow varieties. They have a smooth, shiny skin and flesh that’s bursting with juice, and are popular both in desserts and savoury dishes.
Cherries
Cherries are famous for being the finishing touch on top of ice cream sundaes and cocktails, but they’re also perfect for making clafoutis, Black Forest gateaux, and of course, cherry pie. They are available in sweet varieties, for snacking, and sour varieties, which are primarily used in baking.
Raspberries
Raspberries may not be the first fruit that comes to mind when discussing stone fruit, but in fact each raspberry is a cluster of tiny stone fruits, which is what gives them their characteristically knobbly appearance. Much loved for their sweet taste, they are often paired with chocolate to make indulgent desserts.
Blackberries
Like raspberries, blackberries are also made up of tiny clusters of miniature stone fruits. They can often be seen growing wild in hedgerows, and blackberry picking is a popular custom for the short time that they’re in season. Blackberries are popular additions to smoothies, and are often paired with apples in pies and crumbles.
Apricots
Known for their attractive orange-yellow colour, apricots have a smooth, creamy flesh with a tart flavour. They are naturally high in pectin, which makes them perfect for jam-making, and they are also popular as a dried fruit.
Mangoes
With their sunny yellow colour and sweet, tropical taste, mangoes are popular in smoothies, tropical juice mixes, and lassi. They can also be eaten fresh, in fruit salads, or made into mango chutney.
Lychees
Lychees have a striking appearance, with a bumpy, reddish-pink skin and translucent white flesh. The skin is tougher than that of other stone fruits, and is usually peeled away. They have a delicate flavour, which has been described as a cross between a grape and a pear, and are often used in desserts and cocktails.
How to tell if it’s ripe
Signs that a stone fruit is ready to eat will vary by fruit, but in general, they should be a vibrant colour, without any hint of green, and give slightly when you squeeze them. Peaches and mangoes will have a wonderfully fragrant smell when they are ripe, so you’re likely to find yourself naturally drawn to them when they’re ready.
What is the season for stone fruits?
Again, this varies depending on the fruit. Cherries are the first stone fruits to become available, in early spring, followed by plums, which are in season all the way through from spring to early fall. Peaches and mangoes are available from midsummer to the beginning of fall, while blackberries are only in season for about a month at the end of the summer.
Storage
If you have stone fruit that you’ve purchased to ripen at home, leave it out on the counter until it’s fully ripe, then transfer it to the fridge. Once ripe, most stone fruit will keep for 3 to 5 days if refrigerated. Cherries do not continue ripening once harvested, so make sure they feel fully ripe when you buy them, and put them in the fridge as soon as you get them home. For maximum flavour, allow your fruit to return to room temperature before you eat it.
Recipes with stone fruits
If you’re hungry for some delicious stone fruit, take a look at these mouthwatering fruity recipes.
Peaches
Raspberry and peach crumble: a quick and easy crumble made with not one but two of our favourite stone fruits. Simple dessert heaven.
Peach crumble: a classic crumble with juicy peaches and a drop of peach liqueur for a deliciously grown-up dessert.
Peach profiteroles filled with cream: this luscious peach pastry makes the perfect end to a summer dinner party.
Plums
Plum chutney: this savoury, slightly spicy chutney is the perfect partner for cheese and crackers.
Plum jam: this versatile jelly is equally at home spread on your morning toast, or as an accompaniment to roasted meat.
Gluten free plum clafoutis: this yummy plum dessert is both gluten free and dairy free, so it can be enjoyed by everyone.
Cherries
Baked cheesecake with cherries: another gluten free winner, this extra-special cheesecake is made with cherries poached in spiced red wine.
Cherry clafoutis: this classic French dessert is creamy, sweet and delicious, and takes just 40 minutes to make.
Pavlova with cherries and chocolate: this indulgent dessert is perfect for a special occasion, and surprisingly easy to make.
Raspberries
Raspberry madeleines: the perfect treat to enjoy with coffee or tea, these dainty madeleines are made with fresh raspberries and a squeeze of lime.
Raspberry lamingtons: a raspberry version of the popular Australian dessert, these pretty pink treats would grace any cake stand.
Chocolate raspberry roll: with a tasty chocolate sponge and plenty of fresh cream, this decadent dessert is the perfect end to any celebration meal.
Blackberries
Basil lemonade with blackberry ice cubes: this elegant and unusual summer refresher makes a refined alternative to cocktails.
Eggnog with cinnamon and blackberries: sweet, creamy and boozy, this blackberry eggnog brings Christmas cheer on even the coldest of days.
Blueberry and blackberry tart: this fruity summer dessert is simple to make, but looks so pretty on the plate.
Apricots
Apricot gazpacho: if you’re looking for a vegetarian appetiser with real wow factor, try this fruity take on gazpacho soup.
Apricot and rosemary risotto: this unusual combination makes a savoury-sweet dish with a fragrant, multilayered flavour.
Quick apricot cake: simple and satisfying, this moist, fruity cake is sure to have everyone coming back for a second slice.
Mangoes
Mixed salad with mango and prosciutto: sweet mangoes and salty prosciutto elevate this simple salad to gourmet status.
Mango gazpacho: this savoury-sweet appetiser is the creation of chef Albert Manso Miras, winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef for the Iberian and Mediterranean Countries for 2021
Mango lassi: this south Asian favourite is creamy, sweet, and perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Lychees
Lychee and rose cupcakes: these delicately fruity cupcakes are topped with a swirl of rose-coloured buttercream, and they taste as good as they look.
Organic zhejiang green tea and lychee mousse white chocolate matcha financier: this exquisite dessert is the creation of the Palm Court Cafe at London’s prestigious Langham Hotel.
Perhaps the simplest stone fruit recipe of all is a juicy, slightly caramelised grilled stone fruit. Find out how to make it with our tips for making grilled stone fruit.
