SHAMS - Stone fruits

The Dr. Fayez Sabri Jaber Farms are not only a source of great olive oil, they are also the home of a wide range of the SHAMS produce - stone fruits grown under the same rigorous scrutiny that made our olives so successful.

Our stone fruit selection comprises peaches, nectarines and apricots of several different varieties. We chose the most appropriate varieties that are best suited for the climate in the region to ensure continuing and sustainable growth of fruits with exquisite taste. Of key importance to our commitment to great taste and quality is the fact that we are offering from early to late varieties, the fruits are handpicked and packaged for transport on our farm.

Shams have a well-established reputation amongst the stone fruits market in the Kingdom, in fact the brand is not only recognized, but has become a house-hold name.

Origins of the Nectarine

Although often erroneously referred to as a cross between a peach and a plum, the nectarine is a variation of the peach and is referred to as a cultivar group of the Prunus Persica family. The binomial name of the fruit is Prunus persica var. nucipersic or Amygdalus persica var. nectarina. The nectarine differentiates itself from the peach in being smooth and lacking the pubescence, or fuzz, that is usually associated with peaches. The term nectarine is derived from the now obsolete term for “sweet like nectar”.

While the exact origins of the fruit are unclear, it is believed to have originated some 2,000 years ago as a variation of the peaches cultivated in the eastern and central regions of Asia. As this fruit is a variation of the peach, it is possible for nectarine trees to carry peaches, and vice versa.

Although some Chinese emperors mention the fruit at much earlier dates, the nectarine is not recorded in European literature till the 16th and 17th century. In these early European references to the fruit, the nectarine is often referred to as the “Nut of Persia”. In appearance, culture, and care, the nectarine is almost identical to the peach and, thus, tends to be cultivated in most countries that are involved in the agricultural production of peaches.

Nutritional Information

• Nectarines are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These fruits also contain dietary fiber, phosphorus, niacin and potassium.
• These fruits are also low in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and calories
• In improving and accelerating the digestive process, especially in its dried form, nectarines can also be used to aid weight loss.

Storing and Handling Nectarines

• The lack of pubescence, or fuzz, makes these fruits slightly more sensitive than peaches. It is therefore essential to handle nectarines with care to ensure that no bruising occurs.
• The fruit can be ripened by placing it in a paper bag and keeping it at room temperature for a few days, the exact length of time depending on how ripe the fruit was when purchased.
• Once ripe, the fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is important not to place an unripe or firm nectarine in the fridge as this will hinder the ripening process.