What Fruit is in Season Right Now?
Even though fruit is a year-round staple, the benefits of peak-of-season fruit might pique your interest. For example, seasonal fruit tends to be less expensive because of its abundance. Plus, it can add variety to your diet and provide you with vital nutrients. The best part? Peak-of-season fruit is at its fresh best. Let’s break down the benefits of peak-of-season-fruit and which fruits are in season when.
Spring Fruits
This season has some of the best growing conditions because of longer days than nights, giving plants more sunlight and warmth to grow, which creates more juicy and flavorful spring fruits. So what fruits are at their freshest during spring?
Avocados: January through March tends to be the best time for peak-flavor avocados. During this time, avocados can have a higher oil content, providing that buttery flavor and texture we all love. They’re also high in fiber, helping to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive tract. What can you make with an avocado? Avocado toast, of course. Check out this classic Avocado Toast recipe, get trendy with this Everything Bagel Seasoning Avocado Toast or take it a step further with these Avocado Sweet Potato Toasts.
Rhubarb: As soon as temperatures start getting consistently mild, it’s rhubarb’s time to shine. This spring fruit isn’t known for its sweetness; instead, it’s known for packing some serious pucker power. Rhubarb is, however, commonly paired with strawberries to create that perfect sweet-sour combo. Try this flavor pairing for yourself in this delicious Strawberry-rhubarb Dessert.
Summer Fruits
There’s so much to love about the summer season, and summer fruit is the cherry on top. Do you know what peak-of-season fruits love soaking up extended amounts of sunlight, heat, rain and nutritious soil?
Berries: Not only does summer mean berries bursting with flavor, but it also means it’s peak time to indulge in antioxidant-rich, sweet treats like blueberries and strawberries. Berries can help protect your cells from damage, plus they’re fat-free and low in sodium. Learn all about the benefits of berries and more in this sweet blog post.
Melons: When it comes to summer fruits, it’s not the size of the melon that matters, but the weight. Whether small or large, a ripe melon will feel heavier than it looks. A melon that feels lighter than it looks could be dried out and will be much less flavorful. From watermelon to cantaloupe to honeydew, the benefits of melons range from being rich in vitamin A, B and C to helping you hydrate on a hot summer day. Try using melons to make refreshing summer recipes like Watermelon Caprese Salad or Grilled Scallops with Thai Cantaloupe Salad.
Stone Fruit: Just like the name says, these juicy fruits have a pit or “stone” at their core. Some highly nutritious stone fruits include cherries, peaches, plums, apricots and mangos. Most stone fruits are rich in vitamins A, C and E; fiber; potassium and antioxidants. You can savor the taste of summer by creating a Stone Fruit Salad or Grilled Pound Cake and Peaches dessert. Learn more about stone fruit and get inspired with more fresh recipes with our guide.
Fall Fruits
September 23 marks shorter days in the U.S., which can bring an abundance of peak-tasting fruits that grow on trees and vines. When are grapes in season? You guessed it, fall. And like grapes, fruits that comes from trees and vines tend to produce well in the fall because they’re hardier and can handle the shifting of extreme weather temperatures. So what other fruits are at their peak in the fall?
Pears: Unlike other fruit that grows on trees, pears ripen after they’re picked. So, if you find one that’s too hard, just let it sit on the counter until it softens. Pears pair well with cheese, prosciutto, cinnamon, chocolate and nuts. Try them in this delicious Pear Crostini recipe or this sweet and crunchy Pears with Caramel Nut Crunch recipe.
Pomegranates: The benefits of this powerhouse fruit range from heart health to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and beyond. This tart and tangy fruit is low in calories and fat but high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Enjoy pomegranate in this Halloween-themed Hocus Pocus Pomegranate Potion or these Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites for a holiday appetizer.
Winter Fruits
This is another season when fruits on trees and even shrubs can thrive and taste even better.
Apples: This fruit benefits from being exposed to cold temperatures, which can slow down the ripening process and cause apples to become crisper and sweeter. What’s your favorite apple and where does it fall on our sweet-to-tart chart?
Citrus: Just in time for cold season, citrus is at peak flavor. You can enjoy the bright flavors of oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and more knowing that they can help you boost your mood, immune system, digestion, cardiovascular system and so much more. Learn more about the benefits of citrus and check out this article on unexpected citrus recipes to brighten up your cooking.
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