Wesley Jackson it., age 10, of Mesa, Ariz., for his question:

IS THE NECTARINE REALLY A PEACH?

The nectarine is definitely in the peach family. While most of the members in the species are fuzzy skinned, the nectarine is a nothing more than a smooth skinned peach.

Nectarines have the some texture and flavor as the peach.

Nectarines are cultivated with the same techniques that are used with peaches. The nectarine, however, is subject to a type of fungus disease that doesn't bother its fuzzy skinned relative.

Not too long ago nectarines were small and not of high quality. Then they started receiving the same care as peaches. It wasn't long until the nectarine became an important orchard crop.

Nectarines are grown in many parts of the United States although most of the commercial groves are found in California.