It seems there have been some major rumors circulating about the nectarine. Are nectarines some sort of freakish hybrid, perhaps a cross between a plum and peach? Is it the result of some 1950s scientific experiment designed to remove the fuzz? Was the nectarine bankrolled by fruit tree growers betting consumers would perfer a fuzzless peach?

Truth is, loved by all, the nectarine is its own fruit. That is, it's a peach. A fuzzless peach: Prunus persica var. nucipersic or Amygdalus persica var. nectarina, a cherished member of the Rosaceae family, originally from China. By the end of the Dark Ages, peaches and nectarines had moved to England. According to Wikipedia, they were introduced to the U.S. by David Fairchild of the Department of Agriculture in 1906. Many varieties moved to California with varieties migrating to Nevada and surrounding states. Overall and when the conditions are right, peach and nectarine trees do very well here with vibrant color in the spring flowers. Hanging fruit can be heavy and deliciously sweet as you would expect a tree ripened peach or nectarine to be. Providing the perfect growing conditions can do wonders. Come in and talk to John and Nancy about growing local fruit.

Yesterday's snow has melted from the branches. No visible damage to the buds. High winds expected today, and more snow falling by tonight.