Summertime means the freshest food. You can practically pluck fruits from the vine and pop them into your waiting mouth, enjoying a hefty dose of antioxidants and phytonutrients. To get the best nutritional bang for your buck, choose foods that ripen this time of year. Depending on where you live in the world, there’s most likely an abundant range of seasonal fruits that you can forage from your local area. Here are eight seasonal fruits for late spring through early summer.
Seasonal Fruits
1. Peaches
You don’t have to move to the country to eat a lot of peaches this time of year. You’ll find them flooding farmers’ market shelves. Peaches contain potassium to lower your blood pressure, and some research indicates they may have specific heart-health benefits. Dining on more of these fruits, perhaps with some sweet summer cream, can reduce UV damage and keep skin supple in the summer sun.
2. Strawberries
If you haven’t gone strawberry picking, you’re missing out on sweet fun for the entire family. Even tiny tots can enjoy plucking these red fruits — one for the basket and the mouth.
Strawberries are full of vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your cells from oxidative stress.
Additionally, the malic acid these fruits contain naturallycleans and polishes your teeth while you eat.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is the quintessential summer treat. It’s practically hydration in solid fruit form, containing more than 90% water.
You don’t even have to mess with seeds anymore. However, you might find them fun to spit — or you could save and plant them, creating an ongoing organic stash of sweet, sticky goodness.
4. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is another summer staple found in fruit salads. However, it’s also delicious by itself. Do you want the ultimate way to cool down via dessert on a hot day? Cut a cantaloupe in half or quarters and top it with french vanilla ice cream and salted caramel syrup. Hey, part of your treat is pure plant-based goodness and a little added sugar won’t hurt you.
5. Honeydew
Honeydew rounds out the summer melon list. This light fruit makes the perfect melon-cucumber-tini for when 5 o’clock Friday finally arrives. However, you don’t have to mix up a boozy version to enjoy this summer treat. It tastes divine on the grill with a light ginger glaze.
6. Papaya
Papaya is high in antioxidants that protect your skin from the summer sun. You can even slather it on as a natural mask when throwing a DIY self-care day. However, pregnant women should stay far away from unripe papayas — you can tell by the green skin. The papain may weaken vital membranes that support your baby, while the latex this fruit contains causes uterine contractions, causing miscarriage.
7. Mangoes
Mangoes are excellent sources of magnesium and potassium, two critical minerals for cardiovascular health. Magnesium also supports healthy brain function and can stave off depression in some deficient individuals. You can mix this sunny fruit with other citrus varieties and some berries for a refreshing, all-natural summer dessert. You can also whip up a delightful sweet glaze for barbecued ribs.
8. Kiwi Fruit
These fuzzy brown fruit might look confusing in the store. However, the magic happens once you peel them. Kiwi fruit tastes like a cross between an orange and a strawberry. It makes a lovely sweet addition to green drinks, the acidity cutting the bitterness of kale or spinach.
Seasonal Fruits for Late Spring Through Early Summer
Summer is the best season for fresh produce. You can find oodles of ripe fruit at your farmer’s market or fresh from your garden. Enjoy these eight best seasonal fruits for late spring through early summer. You’ll improve your health while enjoying every delicious bite.
