Why You Should Be Grilling Your Stone Fruit This Summer + 9 Great Recipes!

Summer is here, the barbecue is out, we’ve got burgers, we’ve got sausages, we’ve got steaks. But have you got peaches? Cherries? Nectarines? If the answer is no, you’re going to want to keep reading and find out exactly why grilling stone fruits is going to turn your barbecue up a notch this Summer!

There’s a reason why apple pies and fruit crumbles are so comforting and delicious… when these fruits are cooked, they retain all the flavour they naturally harbour when raw, except they begin to break down a little and the sugars start to caramelize in the cooking process. The result is a warm, sweet, sticky fruit, with such an intense flavour you will think you are eating full blown dessert, not fruit. The smoky charred flavour you get from the grill lines is second to none, it can’t be replicated. They also add so much more than just flavour, the extra crispy bits are the best!

What fruits should I grill?

Peaches
Nectarines
Plums
Apricots
Cherries
Pears
Bananas

And if you fancy something a bit more unusual… try these…

Watermelon
Canteloupe
Mango
Oranges
Grapefruits
Avocados

The list could be endless!

How do I do it?

For stone fruits, cut them in half and remove the stone or cut into fat wedges. You don’t want any pieces too small or else they won’t hold together well enough when exposed to the heat and you’ll be left with more of a jam than a beautiful piece of grilled fruit! For other fruits like banana, pineapple, mango, cut them into fat wedges or slices.

Grease the grill, not the fruit – this is a top tip for making sure the fruit doesn’t stick but also making sure it doesn’t get oily. Make sure you are using a high heat compatible, flavourless oil such as canola or vegetable. No olive oil here please! We are using a high heat which would make the olive oil go rancid. I find the easiest way is to blot some oil on kitchen paper and evenly wipe it up and down the grill.

Crank it up – Get the grill going on a high heat, there’s only one way to achieve those smoky charred lines!

Let the fruit sit on the grill for 3-4 minutes each side – It will get smoky, but this is the best way to ensure you really get that caramelized gorgeousness out of the fruit!

Once the fruit is grilled, try brushing on a little honey, or sprinkle with a little brown sugar for an extra sweet dessert! Serve with yoghurt, on pavlova, on salad… it’s really that versatile!

So now you’re a total expert on fruit grilling, here are some GREAT recipes to give it a go!

Super Salads

This delightful Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto {Love & Lemons}

This delicious Stone Fruit Salad with Yoghurt, Honey and Mint {Will Cook For Friends}

This amazing Grilled Plum Salad with Purple Basil, Blue Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette {La Domestique}

Moreish Mains

This wonderful Caribbean Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pineapple Salsa {My Recipes}

This ridiculously gorgeous Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini {Cafe Delights}

This unbelievable Grilled Romaine Salad with Corn and Avocado {Floating Kitchen}

Delectable Desserts

These fantastic Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Butter {Alaska from Scratch}

This incredible Grilled Fruit Pavlova {Jamie Oliver}

This delectable Bruléed Grapefruit {Pastry Affair}