Savor the Flavor: The Ultimate Summer Produce Guide

Savoring the Flavors of Summer

The Benefits of Eating Seasonally

As the seasons change and the sun shines bright, consuming produce in season allows you to enjoy its peak flavor and nutrient composition. 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:

Apricots

Enjoy their natural sweetness in desserts or pair them with savory foods for a delightful contrast.

Armenian Cucumber

Add its sweet and crunchy texture to salads, or combine with grape tomatoes and feta for a refreshing snack.

Asian Pear

Savor its crisp texture and hydrating properties as a raw snack or add it to salads.

Basil

Blend it into pesto, add it to pizza, or tear it up for a flavorful garnish.

Beets

Use their leaves as a salad base, or enjoy them in juices, soups, and sides.

Bell Peppers

Roast, grill, sauté, or stuff them for a burst of colorful flavor.

Blackberries

Top salads and yogurt with these fiber-rich berries, or enjoy them in a blackberry cobbler.

Blueberries

Combine them with other berries for a wholesome fruit salad, or preserve their tart taste in jam.

Butter Lettuce

Enjoy its sweet and smooth leaves in salads, or store them in their original container for maximum freshness.

Cherries

Savor their wholesome goodness as a snack, or add them to salads and desserts.

Corn

Pop it, grill it, or enjoy it in raw corn salads with lime juice and tahini.

Eggplant

Grill, bake, or fry it, and don’t forget to marinate with avocado oil or coconut oil prior to cooking.

Grape Tomatoes

Roast, smoke, or use them in no-cook pasta sauces for a burst of flavor.

Green Beans

Cook them in butter and garlic for a classic taste, or sauté with brown sugar and bacon for a sweeter alternative.

Honeydew Melons

Enjoy their sweetness in desserts, or combine with cucumber and vanilla Greek yogurt for a refreshing salad.

Limes

Squeeze them over grilled meats for a refreshing aroma, or muddle them into cocktails.

Mint

Infuse water with mint for a hydrating drink, or add it to cocktails and grilled watermelon for a refreshing twist.

Nectarines

Enjoy their sweetness in salads, or pair them with ricotta cheese and arugula for a fresh summer treat.

Peaches

Grill them for a caramelized sweetness, or add them to salads and desserts for a burst of flavor.

Plums

Stay hydrated with their high water content, or make a delicious plum chutney.

Raspberries

Pair them with fellow summer fruits, or make fun popsicles by adding them to ice cube trays with juice.

Shallots

Caramelize them with herbs for a marinade, or crisp them by pan-frying and add them to tuna tartare.

Strawberries

Enjoy them in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or transform them into salads with the right dressing.

Summer Squash

Play around with their unique shapes by making fun boats or bowls stuffed with protein or veggies.

Tomatillo

Remove the husks and enjoy them raw, jammed, or in soups and salsas.

Tomatoes

Store them at room temperature and eat ASAP to take advantage of their perfect flavor and texture.

Watermelon

Pair it with mint, chili pepper, and savory cheeses for a refreshing twist, or grill it for a caramelized sweetness.

Zucchini

Turn them into zoodles, slip them into mac and cheese, or explore more recipes to use up summer’s bounty.

Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *