A stone fruit is a summer-grown fruit with a thin-skinned exterior covering a juicy flesh that surrounds a hard round or oval pit called the stone, which encases and protects the seed. Stone fruits include apricots, cherries, coconuts, mangoes, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Cherries and apricots start arriving in late spring, and once midsummer hits, peaches, plums, mangoes, and nectarines take over the scene. Coconut lovers can rejoice because they’re actually in season year-round.
To determine whether stone fruit is ripe, first pay attention to the smell. It should have a sweet, slightly floral aroma. Ripe stone fruit also should give a little when gently pressed but not be squishy. But be careful when handling the fruit—squeezing too hard will bruise it. Finally, inspect the fruit for mostly smooth skin…
