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Fruits of Summer
Summer is the peak season for our produce department. The veggies are at their best with local growers beginning to harvest, but nowhere is the change of season more manifest than in the selection of fruit.
The summer season brings the juicy and delicious stone fruits: peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots. And don’t overlook the wonderful plum/apricot hybrids such as plumcots, pluots and apriums.
Melons are also at their peak this time of year: cantaloupe, honeydew and everybody’s favorite, watermelon. Now is also the time to try some other varieties of melon, such as galia, casaba and my favorite, crenshaw.
Grapes are now arriving with the red flame, green perlette, and black varieties, followed later by globes and sweet/tart concords in late summer.
Berries are also at their best. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are a delicious addition to your morning cereal or yogurt or as an evening treat on ice cream.
Don’t overlook apples or pears during the summer season. Although the northwest U.S. fruits are about finished, new-crop apples and pears are peaking from the southern hemisphere.
Tropical fruits such as mangos, pineapple and the ever-popular banana are wonderful additions to a fruit plate or fruit salad.
Fruit isn’t just for breakfast, desert or snacking either. Try adding grilled pears and toasted walnuts to an arugula salad and dress lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Fresh figs, available later in summer are also a favorite of ours on salads.
Fruit shish kabobs are a great addition to a summer barbecue. Skewer alternating chunks of kiwi, banana, pineapple and strawberries, and grill at medium heat until lightly seared on all sides.
A delicious fruit compote can be made on the barbecue as well. Red grapes and pitted and halved plums are wrapped in parchment paper with just a couple spoons of heated grape juice for added moisture. Grill over low heat for 5-10 minutes and then place parchment and fruit into a small bowl. Spoon on mascarpone cheese and a couple additional spoons of the grape juice, stir and enjoy.
Enjoy the best that summer’s bounty has to offer with the help of our knowledgeable produce staff at Real Food.
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