Each season has its own set of fruits and vegetables that are best eaten during that time, and with summer just rolling around the corner, it's time to review what this hot season brings. Here are 10 fruits and 10 vegetables that are best enjoyed during the summertime.
1. Watermelon
Is there any food that screams summer more than watermelon? This quintessential summer fruit is the star at every party, barbeque, and beach outing. There's nothing better than picking out the best watermelon that's juicy and sweet, helping everyone to stay refreshed during the summer heat.
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2. Strawberries
If you want to enjoy the juiciest, sweetest strawberries, summer's the season to grab them. They're at their peak ripeness during the summertime, which means it's the best time for you to make all your strawberry themed drinks and desserts.
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3. Peaches
What's more refreshing and satisfying to bite into than a peach in the summer? Recognized for their soft flesh, fuzzy skin, and sweet flavour, peaches are a common favourite. Besides, what dessert is better than a fresh peach cobbler?
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4. Cherries
They may be annoying to eat because of their pits, but it's worth it just to enjoy the delicious taste of cherries. They're the perfect snack during the summer, with each little bite sized cherry packed with so much juice and flavour. Here's a fun trick too: try freezing them for the ultimate frozen treat!
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5. Blueberries
Berries are all the rave during the summer, so don't forget about blueberries! Slightly tangy but also sweet, they're so fun to snack on when you grab them by the handful. They're also a great addition to many meals, like using them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or baked into muffins.
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6. Mangoes
Summertime reminds us of beaches and island getaways, so what better way to make you feel like you're on an adventure than chowing down on some tropical fruits? Mangoes are a popular choice, known for their incredibly juicy and sweet flesh. Every time summer comes around, you best believe you'll see an array of mango drinks, desserts, and other goods pop up everywhere you go.
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7. Pineapples
Adding on to our list of tropical fruits, pineapple is another common favourite, beloved for their sweet and acidic taste. When eaten cold right out of the fridge, they're incredibly refreshing and cooling. Just throw some pineapple into a drink or dessert to give it an instant summery vibe.
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8. Raspberries
Incredibly soft and easy to eat, raspberries are best known for their slightly sweet, slightly tart flavour that adds a deliciously bright flavour to any drink or dessert. They're best eaten in the summer, and taste great when eaten fresh as is, as a jam, or as a topping for desserts.
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9. Plums
When was the last time you had a plum? Well now that summer is just around the corner, it's time to get your fill. Plums are so delicious in the summer thanks to their juicy, sweet, yet slightly tart flesh. They're fun to experiment with thanks to their unique flavour profile, but eating them naturally is good enough as is.
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10. Blackberries
Last but not least, we can't leave out blackberries if we're already listing all the other berries! Each bite explodes with so much juice and flavour in your mouth, they're irresistible in the summer heat. Just like the others, this berry is great eaten fresh or used in baking or smoothies.
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1. Tomatoes
Some people might think of them as sour and acidic, but tomatoes are at their peak during the summer. They're so juicy and just bursting with sweet and tangy flavours! Not only are they great in sauces, it's best to enjoy them fresh during the summer, grilling them or throwing them in salads for that extra bite.
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2. Zucchini
How many of you thought about zucchini as a summer vegetable? Whether they're grilled on the patio, sauteed in a pan, or baked into a casserole, zucchinis have a mild but refreshing flavour that's exactly what you want for the summer.
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3. Bell Peppers
You might love bell peppers all year round, but during the summer season, they're especially enjoyable to eat! Crisp, sweet, with a slightly earthy taste, you can enjoy these veggies raw by throwing them in salads, grilling them, or being adventurous and stuffing them.
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4. Corn
What vegetables stands out in the summer more than corn? Nothing! This summer classic is beloved by everyone. Grilled corn on the cob is a must-have at any barbeque after all!
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5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are mainly made up of water, so it makes sense that they're the perfect refreshing and hydrating vegetable to enjoy in the summer heat. Not only are they great in salads, they're great on their own dipped with some ranch sauce.
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6. Eggplant
When grilled or roasted, you'll be surprised by how summery eggplant can taste. They've got a rich and deep flavour unlike anything else, giving your summertime spread some more depth.
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7. Green Beans
Throw some green beans into your salad or casserole for a fun and crisp addition! In the summer, these fun vegetables give your meals a healthy and bright taste.
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8. Summer Squash
Summer's already in the name, which means this has to be an optimal summer vegetable right? Best enjoyed fresh during this hot season, you should try either grilling, sauteeing, or baking them into casseroles or breads. It's so fun experimenting with what this vegetable can do!
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9. Okra
Particularly in Southern states, okra is a very popular summer vegetable. While it's got an interesting texture and flavour that is hard to compare to anything else, once you know how to work with it, the dishes you can create will be amazing. To start out, why not giving it the good ol' fry, or add it to your soups for a try?
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10. Spinach
You might be surprised to learn that spinach is a vegetable that thrives in the summertime. This leafy green is not only healthy, it's a great ingredient to add to your salads and smoothies too! Don't forget it's important to eat healthy while you enjoy all your time under the sun.
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