Summer is a time of plenty for all types of produce including fruits. Eating flavorful and juicy summer fruits is an indelible memory that leads us down nostalgia lane to carefree childhoods. Fruits that season in summer have hydrating properties, and this is what you need after a lazy day soaking in the sun on the beach. Here are some delicious fruits you’re sure to find in abundance during the warmer months of the year. Take a look at the different ways in which you can consume them for a lip-smacking summer!
Melons: A quintessential summertime favorite, melons are multi-faceted. Sweet or savory, there is something for everyone when it comes to using melons in various recipes. You can add them to fruit salads and even seafood salads for a unique twist. Puree fresh melons and use them to make refreshing ice pops or sorbet – whatever you’re in the mood for!
Cherries: These taste best when eaten in their natural form. Pit the cherries and use them as a topping on your favorite flavor of ice cream. Yet another way of enjoying the natural goodness of cherries is by adding them to a milkshake for a filling and delicious all-day snack. You could also just put them in a bowl of water, add some ice, and let them sit for a while. Iced versions of this fruit (yes, iced cherries are a thing) make for the perfect summer dessert when you don’t have time to whip up anything else.
Mangoes: From smoothies to soufflé, mangoes make everything taste better. Raw mangoes add tanginess to salads and chicken dishes that are sure to become the star of your dinner menus. Ripe mangoes are best used to make mouthwatering desserts and refreshing drinks. Mousses, cake, and ice cream are some popular recipes to try.
Peaches: Ensure a sweet finish to dinner with some yummy peach cobbler, topped off with a generous serving of whipped cream or you favorite ice cream. The smell of peach pies or cobbler bread baking in the oven is sure to get the family around the dining table without having to call them twice! Peach crème brulee and peach bread pudding are more options to try.
Berries: This is the season when blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries start to put in an appearance. And, before you know it, they are all around you – inviting you to pick them and enjoy them with each bite. The type of berries you find will depend on the region where you live. Bake your favorite berries into tarts or just sprinkle a handful on the ice cream to give your dessert menu a unique twist. You could also roast them till caramelized before serving with cheese or pound cake for a quick yet filling snack. If you want to make them last, turn them into sauces and jams.
Pears: Don’t panic if the pears you bought have ripened overnight. They make for great pie fillings and quick smoothies for hot afternoons. Add them to your muffin dough and enjoy the natural sweetness that ripe pears bring to baked goodies. Crumbles and puddings are a great way of harnessing the full potential of this fruit.
Grapes: Make a refreshing drink with seedless grapes, ice, and some grape juice. If you’d like a vegetarian option for the day’s main course, go for Brussel’s sprouts and grapes au-gratin.
Eating fresh seasonal fruits comes with a whole lot of health benefits. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Summer fruits contain nutrients and minerals that can cool your body even in Death Valley. During summer, the fruits ripen naturally and fully enhance the taste, making it just that bit extra delicious!
