These classic summer fruits are grown worldwide in Mediterranean-type climates. Peaches usually have a downy skin, whereas nectarines, which are a variety of peach, are smooth-skinned with a generally sharper flavor. The leading export countries for both fruits are Spain, Italy, France, are the US. Freestone fruit has flesh that separates easily from the stone; clingstone types have flesh that “clings” more to the stone. Fragrant white-flesh peaches and nectarines are low in acid and best for eating fresh, while yellow-fleshed fruit are ideal for baking and cooking.