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 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.
Creamy avocados are typically available year-round, but hit their peak in the Summer (at least in California).
Sweet bell peppers are available as early as May and as late as December, and are at their peak during the Summer months.
Blackberries are available as early as May and as late as October.
Blueberry season typically runs from May through August.
Cauliflower is typically available all months, but its peak is in Summer (July and August).
Sweet cherries are typically available from April through July.
Sweet corn is in season from the beginning of June through the early Fall months.
Cucumbers are at their peak growing time from early Summer to mid-Fall (June through November).
Look for squat and sturdy globe eggplants and slender Japanese varieties from July through October.
Figs are typically at markets from late June through early December.
Gooseberries are in season from May to August and are at their peak during the month of July.
Juicy grapes are typically available from July through December.
Peak long bean season runs from late Summer to early Fall. However, in California and Mexico, they grow year-round.
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.
Look for nopales, the edible leaves of the prickly pear cactus, through Summer and Fall.
Diminutive padron peppers are typically in season from mid-June all the way through September.
Velvety peaches can be ready as early as May and available until late September, but their season is at its peak in July and August.
Plum season runs from May through September, though it varies slightly from year to year.
Purslane is typically available from April through December.
Although radishes 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 have, thankfully, a long season that runs from May through early November, with their peak in the Summer months.
Sour cherries have a tragically short season and are generally only available for a few weeks in June and July.
Strawberries 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 (a category which includes pattypan, crookneck, zucchini, yellow, and other heirloom varieties) is typically available from June through late October.
A cross between the Aurora blackberry and a European raspberry variety, tayberry season runs from July through mid-August.
From rainbow-hued heirloom varietals to juicy Early Girls 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 season peaks in the Summer and lasts from June through October.
Zucchini (and its delectable squash blossoms) is available May through September.