If you have picked up an unripe nectarine or peach, store it on your counter at room temperature, ideally away from sunlight.

Are nectarines supposed to be refrigerated?

How to store: Peaches and nectarines will continue to ripen after they've been harvested if you leave them at room temperature. They should never be refrigerated until they are fully ripe. Chilling them before that will result in fruit that is mealy and flavorless.

Where are nectarines best stored?

Store nectarines at room temperature until they're ripe.

If it's soft and bounces back then it is ripe. They should also emit a fragrant smell when they've reached ripeness. If you need them sooner, put your nectarines in a paper bag to ripen faster.