She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Summer

As the seasons change and the sun shines bright, it’s the perfect time to explore the vibrant world of summer produce. From juicy watermelons to crisp cucumbers, seasonal fruits and veggies can elevate your meals with richer flavors and nutrients.

The Benefits of Eating Seasonally

When you consume produce in season, you get to enjoy its peak flavor and nutrient composition, as it’s picked at the height of ripeness. Buying locally and supporting local farmers not only benefits the environment but also your wallet, as prices tend to be lower due to abundant supply.

Summer Produce Calendar

Here’s a rundown of what’s in season during the warmer months:

• Apricots (May-July)
• Armenian cucumber (June-August)
• Asian pear (July-September)
• Basil (June-August)
• Beets (all year, June-October)
• Bell peppers (July-November)
• Blackberries (May-September)
• Blueberries (April-September)
• Butter lettuce (June-August)
• Cherries (May-August)
• Corn (May-September)
• Cucumber (May-August)
• Eggplant (July-October)
• Grape tomatoes (June-August)
• Green beans (May-October)
• Honeydew melons (June-October)
• Limes (May-October)
• Mint (year-round, best in warmer climates)
• Nectarines (May-August)
• Peaches (May-September)
• Plums (May-October)
• Raspberries (July-October)
• Shallots (June-September)
• Strawberries (April-June)
• Summer squash (June-August)
• Tomatillo (June-August)
• Tomatoes (June-August)
• Watermelon (June-August)
• Zucchini (June-August)

Summer Produce Guide

Let’s dive deeper into each seasonal delight and explore ways to incorporate them into your dishes:

1. Apricots: Enjoy their natural sweetness in desserts or pair them with savory foods for a delightful contrast.
2. Armenian cucumber: Add its sweet and crunchy texture to salads, or combine with grape tomatoes and feta for a refreshing snack.
3. Asian pear: Savor its crisp texture and hydrating properties as a raw snack or add it to salads.
4. Basil: Blend it into pesto, add it to pizza, or tear it up for a flavorful garnish.
5. Beets: Use their leaves as a salad base, or enjoy them in juices, soups, and sides.
6. Bell peppers: Roast, grill, sauté, or stuff them for a burst of colorful flavor.
7. Blackberries: Top salads and yogurt with these fiber-rich berries, or enjoy them in a blackberry cobbler.
8. Blueberries: Combine them with other berries for a wholesome fruit salad, or preserve their tart taste in jam.
9. Butter lettuce: Enjoy its sweet and smooth leaves in salads, or store them in their original container for maximum freshness.
10. Cherries: Savor their wholesome goodness as a snack, or add them to salads and desserts.
11. Corn: Pop it, grill it, or enjoy it in raw corn salads with lime juice and tahini.
12. Eggplant: Grill, bake, or fry it, and don’t forget to marinate with avocado oil or coconut oil prior to cooking.
13. Grape tomatoes: Roast, smoke, or use them in no-cook pasta sauces for a burst of flavor.
14. Green beans: Cook them in butter and garlic for a classic taste, or sauté with brown sugar and bacon for a sweeter alternative.
15. Honeydew melons: Enjoy their sweetness in desserts, or combine with cucumber and vanilla Greek yogurt for a refreshing salad.
16. Limes: Squeeze them over grilled meats for a refreshing aroma, or muddle them into cocktails.
17. Mint: Infuse water with mint for a hydrating drink, or add it to cocktails and grilled watermelon for a refreshing twist.
18. Nectarines: Enjoy their sweetness in salads, or pair them with ricotta cheese and arugula for a fresh summer treat.
19. Peaches: Grill them for a caramelized sweetness, or add them to salads and desserts for a burst of flavor.
20. Plums: Stay hydrated with their high water content, or make a delicious plum chutney.
21. Raspberries: Pair them with fellow summer fruits, or make fun popsicles by adding them to ice cube trays with juice.
22. Shallots: Caramelize them with herbs for a marinade, or crisp them by pan-frying and add them to tuna tartare.
23. Strawberries: Enjoy them in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or transform them into salads with the right dressing.
24. Summer squash: Play around with their unique shapes by making fun boats or bowls stuffed with protein or veggies.
25. Tomatillo: Remove the husks and enjoy them raw, jammed, or in soups and salsas.
26. Tomatoes: Store them at room temperature and eat ASAP to take advantage of their perfect flavor and texture.
27. Watermelon: Pair it with mint, chili pepper, and savory cheeses for a refreshing twist, or grill it for a caramelized sweetness.
28. Zucchini: Turn them into zoodles, slip them into mac and cheese, or explore more recipes to use up summer’s bounty.

With this guide, you’re ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant world of summer produce!