Your Ultimate Summer Veggie & Fruit Guide + Our Fav Recipes

July 11, 2019
by Amanda Li Our Cooking tools

    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!

     

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    1 comment

    Chloe says:

    Summer time is too hot. Then food habit has to change. This post describe food in the summer time. It is amazing post