Your Ultimate Summer Veggie & Fruit Guide + Our Fav Recipes

With summer comes an abundance of delicious and fresh produce, so use this ultimate summer vegetable and fruit guide to grab some in-season produce at your local farmers market. 

When we think of summer, a few things jump to mind: beach days, park picnics and, of course, fresh, local produce. By buying seasonal vegetables and fruits, you’ll get the best taste and bang for your buck! Availability in your area may vary depending on weather and growing conditions, but here are some must-haves when it comes to summer shopping and recipes.

JULY

Apricots

Also known as Armenian plums, Apricots taste like the best mix between a plum and a peach. Plus they’re great for digestion!

Enjoy apricots in this Apricot Pork Tenderloin recipe.

Bok Choy

Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that’s full of flavour and easy to cook.

Try soy-glazed bok choy in this Pan-Fried Salmon recipe.

Zucchini

Did you know zucchini is a summer squash? Meaning it’s harvested when immature so the rind is still soft and easy to eat!

Tip: Add it to a BBQ skewer!

Zucchini is deliciously packed into this Zucchini Beef Moussaka.

Radishes

This root veggie is usually eaten raw and adds a delicious crunch to any recipe.

Radishes add a fresh crunch in these Cajun Shrimp Tacos.

Peaches

This fuzzy-peeled stone fruit can be eaten on its own, baked, or even added to a salad!

This Summer Salad with Farro is just peachy.

Watermelon

This refreshing fruit is a summer staple. TIP: Pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size to get the best melon.

Watermelon adds a sweet crunch to this Pork Tenderloin and Watermelon Salad.

Berries

Berries are small but pack a punch. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are some summer favourites.

Blueberry is the star of the vinaigrette in our BBQ Turkey and Farro Salad recipe.

AUGUST

Eggplant

Nothing absorbs flavour like eggplant! They may look intimidating to prepare, but these purple fruits are easy to enjoy.

Eggplant is delicious grilled in a summer skewer, so try these Thai Massaman Veggie Skewers.

Green Beans

Green beans are a favourite all year round, but enjoy them in the summer for maximum freshness!

Give your green beans an upgrade with these Walnut Dusted Green Beans.

Grapes

Not just for making wine, grapes are perfect for snacking and bring a burst of sweetness to any summer recipe.

Grapes are amazing when roasted in this Chicken and Pear Waldorf Salad.

Nectarine

Similar to a peach, but smaller and sweeter!

Make this Gourmet Pizza with nectarine!

Kiwi

Sweet and slightly tart, this green fruit brings a tropical flair to any summer recipe.

Kiwi Salsa. That’s all.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower’s delicate flavour makes it easy to pair with any dish.

Delicious cauliflower is the star of this Roasted Cauliflower and Bulgur Pilaf

Kale

Did you know this nutrient-filled member of the cabbage family can have green or purple leaves?

Try it in this Spring Risotto. Kale yeah!

SEPTEMBER

Artichokes

Did you know that artichokes aren’t actually vegetables? They’re the buds of the thistle flower before it blooms!

Roasting artichokes gives a crispy texture to this Artichoke Salad.

Beets

Your mom wasn’t lying, this red root veggie is definitely good for you! Roast them to bring out the natural sweetness.

This Beet and Basil Risotto can’t be beet.

Brussel Sprouts

They may look like mini cabbages but these green gems pack a ton of flavour.

Creamy Tarragon Chicken is the perfect pair for roasted Brussel sprouts.

Squash

From butternut to spaghetti, there are so many varieties of squash to enjoy. While typically a fall food, there are tons of summery ways to enjoy them!

Takeout Fakeout! Squash gives this Homemade Sausage Pizza recipe an upgrade.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is technically a squash, but we love this orange favourite so much we had to give it a moment to shine.

There are just too many delicious pumpkin recipes to name.

Red Onions

These medium to large onions are slightly sweet, being both #GreatToGrill and to eat raw!

Red onions are delicious when caramelized. Try them on this Retro burger.

Cranberries

High in Vitamin C, these little red berries are native to North America and come into season in the late summer.

Cranberries are the perfect addition to any side, like this Picnic Broccoli Salad!