Summer fruits and vegetables

As the stress of late-night studying and finals season comes to an end, there’s not a better time to get excited about summer and all the seasonal food it has to offer. Here in San Francisco, we’re lucky to have access to an abundance of locally grown fruits and veggies all year round. Still, there’s something especially rewarding about finding produce in its prime season. Between enjoying a sweet berry pie in the sun in June to enjoying a crunchy kale salad in July, supporting locally grown produce is a delicious way to not only fuel your body during the summer but to help support local businesses. Whether it’s for a picnic with friends, a post-final smoothie, or just a new addition to your produce inventory, now is the perfect time to head to your local farmers market and experience the prime flavors of summer in these farm fresh goods. 

What are the best fruits and vegetables to enjoy during the summer? 

Some of my favorite summer treats come from seasonally harvested produce and locally grown farm stands. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy most berries, as they are in their prime sweetness, from strawberries to boysenberries to raspberries. Stone fruits are also bursting with flavor during the summer and are at their juiciest you’ll ever find. Besides your typical apricot, plum, peach, and nectarine, my favorite pitted fruits to enjoy this season are pluots. In addition to succulent fruits, many greens are emerging at your local farmstand. Arugula, kale, mustard greens, and lettuces may be an abundant find during the summer and perfect for any leafy salad you aspire to have. Many sprouts are also in season, which are the perfect addition to any sandwiches, and the perfect topping to any avocado toast. Of course, no summer spread is complete without sun-ripened tomatoes and creamy avocados. Whether you’re crafting the perfect sandwich for a hot day in the sun, or just snacking straight on your sweet produce, summer is the perfect time to take advantage of these Bay Area seasonal farm fresh finds. 

Produce for sale at the Ferry Building Farmers Market

Not sure where to buy locally sourced produce? I got you! There are so many farmers markets around San Francisco that happen almost every week, including the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and the Clement Street Farmers market. With all of this fresh and vibrant produce at your fingertips, the variety of recipes and culinary potential are in the palm of your hands. So enjoy your San Francisco summer by hitting up your local farm stands and exploring fresh recipes. Who knows, maybe your new favorite bites will be waiting for you underneath a pop-up tent. 

Enjoy some additional summer recipes I’ve found that highlight some of these seasonal finds!