Along with Summer comes bathing suits, fireworks, and, of course, biting into juicy fruits and crisp veggies. The time is here to savor sweet watermelons, avocados, peaches, and more. Take a look at what's ripe this season, and get ready to hit the farmers markets with more than one tote in hand.
Apricots
Apricots [1] have a short season that runs from May through July, with some prized varieties (like Blenheims) only available for a few weeks in late June/early July.
Avocados
Creamy avocados [2] are typically available year-round, but hit their peak in the Summer (at least in California).
Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers are available as early as May and as late as December, and are at their peak during the Summer months.
Blackberries
Blackberries [3] are available as early as May and as late as October.
Blueberries
Blueberry season typically runs from May through August.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower [4] is typically available all months, but its peak is in Summer (July and August).
Celeriac
Celeriac [5]'s peak season runs April through December.
Cherries
Sweet cherries [6] are typically available from April through July.
Corn
Sweet corn [7] is in season from the beginning of June through the early Fall months.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers [8] are at their peak growing time from early Summer to mid-Fall (June through November).
Eggplant
Look for squat and sturdy globe eggplants [9] and slender Japanese varieties [10] from July through October.
Figs
Figs [11] are typically at markets from late June through early December.
Gooseberries
Gooseberries [12] are in season from May to August and are at their peak during the month of July.
Grapes
Juicy grapes are typically available from July through December.
Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon [13]'s season runs from June to November.
Long Beans
Peak long bean [14] season runs from late Summer to early Fall. However, in California and Mexico, they grow year-round.
Nectarines
Nectarine season mirrors that of its furry cousin, the peach. They can be ready as early as May and available until late September, but their season is at its peak in July and August.
Nopales
Look for nopales [15], the edible leaves of the prickly pear cactus, through Summer and Fall.
Okra
Okra [16] season typically runs June through November.
Padron Peppers
Diminutive padron peppers [17] are typically in season from mid-June all the way through September.
Peaches
Velvety peaches [18] can be ready as early as May and available until late September, but their season is at its peak in July and August.
Plums
Plum [19] season runs from May through September, though it varies slightly from year to year.
Purslane
Purslane [20] is typically available from April through December.
Radishes
Although radishes [21] are available year-round, it's during Spring and Summer months when one can truly appreciate them for their crisp texture and spicy, juicy bite.
Raspberries
Raspberries have, thankfully, a long season that runs from May through early November, with their peak in the Summer months.
Sour Cherries
Sour cherries [23] have a tragically short season and are generally only available for a few weeks in June and July.
Strawberries
Strawberries [24] are at their sweetest from April to July, though they are available at farmers markets as early as March and as late as October.
Summer Squash
Summer squash (a category which includes pattypan, crookneck, zucchini, yellow, and other heirloom varieties) is typically available from June through late October.
Tayberries
A cross between the Aurora blackberry and a European raspberry variety, tayberry [25] season runs from July through mid-August.
Tomatillos
Tomatillos [26] are in season from May to November, peaking in August.
Tomatoes
From rainbow-hued heirloom varietals [27] to juicy Early Girls [28] to the tiniest grape and cherry versions, tomato season is surprisingly long. Smaller varieties can come to harvest as early as April (but more typically around June) and last till November; larger tomatoes are available through the peak Summer and mid-Fall months.
Watermelon
Watermelon season peaks in the Summer and lasts from June through October.
Zucchini
Zucchini [29] (and its delectable squash blossoms) is available May through September.
