Thanks to modern agriculture technology, we can enjoy any fruit or vegetable every day of the year. However, we shouldn’t underestimate the brilliance of in-season produce.
Instead of choosing produce randomly, eating the same vegetables and fruit every week, or shopping based on your meal plan, shop for in-season produce. When you choose in-season fruits and vegetables, you can save money, get more nutrients, and enjoy produce at the peak of its flavor.
These fruits and vegetables are at their most delicious during the summer months. They have a higher nutrient content and cost less because they’re easier to source locally when in season. Along with all these reasons, in-season produce also captures the bright and rejuvenating spirit of summer!
1. Cucumbers
It’s easy to associate hardy vegetables with fall or winter, but you can’t deny the refreshing summer vibes of cucumbers. They are the ultimate summertime vegetable with a watery, light flavor.
Like many delightful summer foods, people rarely cook cucumbers. Instead, they’re ideal as an afternoon snack dipped in Ranch dressing or as a crunchy salad ingredient. You can also make one of our favorite cucumber foods — zesty tzatziki sauce.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon always makes us think about a sunny summer day beside the pool. Whether you chow down on massive watermelon slices with the rind or pop the bite-sized chunks in your mouth, it’s perfectly juicy and fresh.
The high water content helps you stay hydrated in the heat, making it an excellent snack for kids’ sports games or active days. We also love cut watermelon with mint and feta, which makes for a flavorful and light summer snack.
3. Corn
Frankly, corn is great every season, as it’s one of the most versatile and resilient vegetables. However, it’s never more at home than on a fiery grill at a backyard barbecue.
Corn on the cob, corn salsa, corn salad, esquite, and elote are just some mouthwatering summer dishes you can make with corn. The sweet flavor makes it easy to forget how healthy corn is, so it’s ideal for picky kids.
4. Berries
The best part about summer fruit is that we don’t have to pick one berry to enjoy because they’re almost all in season. Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and strawberries are all in season at some point during summer.
A plain berry medley in a bowl is always scrumptious, but you can do so much more with these berries. You can make parfaits, pair them with ice cream, use them to make dressings or sauces, or make jams and jellies to last the whole year.
5. Eggplant
People may not think of eggplant as a summer vegetable, but it’s most delicious during the warm months. This underappreciated vegetable is magnificent when grilled or roasted, so throw it on the grill at your next cookout.
This vegetable can unleash your creative culinary side, from eggplant parmesan to baba ghanoush to eggplant burgers. The mild but distinct flavor works with many herbs and spices, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
6. Honeydew Melon
We love cantaloupe, but we’re tired of the honeydew hate. On every fruit platter, honeydew resides in the shadow of its bright orange cousin. We think honeydew deserves more appreciation as an independent fruit.
This melon’s delicate sweetness and honeyed flavor make it stand out from other fruits. Its refreshing and gentle taste makes it an easy fruit to love. Consider making this the summer of honeydew and see how sensational this melon can be.
7. Green Beans
Green beans are an extremely dynamic vegetable. You can grill, roast, sautee, boil, blanch, bake, or steam them. The possibilities are endless. They offer an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that works in many dishes.
You can steam them for a midday snack or sautee them with butter and salt for an easy-peasy dinner side. While the flavor is lovely, the crisp snap of a green bean is part of what makes this vegetable so irresistible.
8. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are one of the most popular summer fruits, and for good reason. Their sweet and bright flavor is even more mouthwatering during summer when they’re at their peak.
Cantaloupe plays well with others, so it’s a must-have in fruit salads and other fruit medleys. The distinct sugary flavor stands out without overpowering the other flavors it’s paired with. It’s perfect when fresh and raw, but don’t be afraid to experiment with cantaloupe pastries, smoothies, grilled skewers, and more.
9. Avocados
Avocados are finicky, as they’re bland and pasty when they’re not ripe and become mushy and black when too ripe. You typically have a 24 to 48-hour window to enjoy one. Luckily, this window expands a bit during summer, so your avocados will taste better for an extra day or two.
Avocados can be used for so many things, from guacamole to avocado chicken sandwiches. They can also be used for tacos, burgers, salads, and more. Their sweet, earthy flavor and buttery texture beautifully embody the refreshing vibes of summer.
10. Pears
We often compare pears to apples because of their similar shape and texture and how they both grow from trees. However, pears deserve some love for the unique crisp taste they offer.
Pears are usually milder and firmer than apples. However, they work just as well in desserts and fruit salads as apples. Bake them into sweet treats or eat them fresh this summer for a juicy and delicate flavor.
11. Tomatoes
Whether tomatoes are technically a fruit or vegetable does not change how tasty and versatile they are. Most people use tomatoes all year round, as they’re necessities in many cuisines. However, summer is when they’re at their best.
There are thousands of tomato varieties, but most are in season from May to October. Enjoy beefsteak tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, Campari tomatoes, early girl tomatoes, and every other type this summer.
12. Plums
Plums’ sweetness and tartness are at an all-time high during summer. You’ll be amazed by how bright and rich they taste during the warmer months. This stone fruit is yummy on its own but can also elevate any dessert.
You can make a plum pie, cobbler, crumble, crisp, cake, pudding, galette, turnover, or any other dessert. Plums can also make wonderful sauces, dressings, juices, and smoothies.
13. Celery
Like cucumbers, celery has a watery, refreshing flavor and texture ideal for summer. Its high water content keeps you hydrated when the sun is blazing. It’s also super low in calories and high in fiber!
Crunchy celery sticks make a tasty snack, especially when dipped in peanut butter, cream cheese, Ranch dressing, or another sauce. The light taste and crisp texture make them a brilliant topping for a salad in need of crunch.
14. Apples
Many associate apples with autumn, as that’s when we all go apple picking and drink apple cider. However, apple season starts at the end of summer, in mid-to-late August, so they’re the star of summer’s second act.
When August rolls around, it can feel like summer is already over. Indulging in the fresh crispness of summer apples can be a nice transition into the cool weather while still enjoying summer’s bounty.
15. Carrots
Carrots are another veggie we eat year-round, so we might not take the time to appreciate their extra yummy flavor in summer. Like all summer vegetables, carrots are at their most flavorful, brightest, and crunchiest during summer.
Carrot season typically runs from late April to late October, depending on the region. So, in the middle of summer, they’re most delicious and abundant. They’re perfect for snacking, cooking, baking, grilling, and everything in between.
