It’s the season for juicy watermelon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. If you’re wondering what’s in season in summer, this guide outlines seasonal fruits and vegetables to look for at the farmer’s market or grocery store. Use this list to shop for the freshest produce this summer.
Benefits of Eating Seasonally
While many fruits and vegetables are available year-round, choosing seasonal produce brings several advantages.
- Better flavor. Produce picked at peak ripeness develops fuller flavor and aroma. When items ripen on the plant and travel a shorter distance to market, they arrive fresher and taste better.
- Often more affordable. In-season fruits and vegetables are typically more plentiful and may cost less than out-of-season or imported options.
- Support local growers. Buying seasonal produce supports local farmers and strengthens regional food systems, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
Tips When Selecting Summer Produce
Buy local. Choose items that are in season in your area to guarantee freshness and flavor. Local farmer’s markets are an excellent source — you can ask growers about how the produce was grown and get ideas for using it.
Many grocery stores also highlight local produce in the produce department, making it easy to find seasonal items and support nearby farms.
Look for freshness. Select produce that is firm, brightly colored, and free of bruises or soft spots. Fresh-scented items with vibrant color are usually the best choices.
Summer Produce Guide
Below are common summer fruits and vegetables typically available across many regions from late June through late August. They’re perfect for salads, grills, salsas, and chilled treats this season.
Summer Fruits
- Apricots
- Avocado
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Mangos
- Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
Summer Vegetables
- Carrots
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Green beans
- Onions
- Summer squash
- Zucchini
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best places are local farmer’s markets and CSA farm shares. Many grocery stores also feature local seasonal produce in their produce sections.
Storage depends on the item: some, like tomatoes, store best at room temperature; others keep longer refrigerated. Check storage recommendations for each type of produce to prolong freshness.
Popular Summer Recipes
- Zucchini and Squash Bake
- Cucumber Carrot Salad
- Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado
- Mango Salsa with Jalapeño
- Roasted Tomatoes on the Vine
- Crispy Baked Eggplant with Cherry Tomatoes
- Strawberry Peach Galette
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