As the weather gets warmer in May and June, fresh fruits start showing up everywhere. You'll see a lot of different fruits, from tasty berries to sweet stone fruits and exotic treats. These are the best months to find a wide range of fruits that are at their tastiest.
You might wonder which fruits are the best during this season. It's a great time to find out which ones stand out. We'll look at the stars of spring and early summer and how to enjoy them while they last.
Introduction
Spring turning to summer fills stores with fresh and tasty fruits. May and June start the summer produce season with a wide variety of fruits. You'll find berries, stone fruits, and exotic kinds now.
When it gets warmer, more fruits show up. You can pick from juicy berries, tasty stone fruits, and unique tropical fruits. Knowing about these fruits' special features and health benefits lets you choose wisely. This makes eating summer fruits an even better experience.
We'll look at fruits that are best in May and June. You'll learn how to pick, buy, and use them. This guide is for anyone interested in fruits, whether new or expert. It will help you enjoy what summer brings in the fruit department.
Berries Galore
Berries thrive in early summer, with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries at their best in May and June. Strawberries lead the pack, tempting taste buds with their sweetness. They're quickly followed by blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, each offering a unique taste.
These delicate fruits are perfect fresh. But they can also be frozen, made into jams, or used in many dishes. Berries bring lots of good stuff to the table - like antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. They're a healthy treat for any summer meal.
In the Twin Cities, juneberries and mulberries are ripe. Strawberries are sold in large quantities at markets, and sour cherries are nearly ready to pick. Berry fans enjoy a variety of homemade goodies, like berry sauce and waffles topped with fresh berries.
Many people like to save berries for later. Water bath canning is good for them because they're acidic. Freezing is a simple way to keep them. Making fruit leather from berries is a smart drying alternative to keep all the goodness.
Berries aren't just tasty; they're good for you too. They're full of polyphenols, which can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar. Adding berries to your diet is an easy step to a healthier life and enjoying the season's tastes.
Stone Fruits
As the weather gets warmer, stone fruits become ready to eat. This includes cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums. Cherries come first and last until early summer. Then, apricots, peaches, and nectarines show up, full of juice and bright colors. Packed with different flavors and colors, plums complete the group.
These fruits are at their best when fully ripe. Enjoy them as they are or use them in pies and other treats.
The stone fruit season in California begins now and will last until fall. Unfortunately, weather issues in California and Mexico affected the fruits. Some apricots didn't color well, and there are fewer peaches and nectarines due to cold weather.
Organic cherries from the Northwest expect to be plentiful but smaller than usual because of a May heat wave. This means big cherries might be pricier while small ones may be more affordable.
Many types of stone fruits are available. For peaches, look for Spring Flame, Princess Time, and Pearl White. Nectarines like Polar Light and Rose Diamond are also ready. In the cherry category, varieties such as Rainiers, Coral, and Bing are among your choices.
The Masumoto Family Farm grows a variety of peaches and nectarines. You can find Spring Lady and Polar Light there, adding to the fruit selection.
Fruit | Variety | Season | Flavor/Characteristics |
---|---|---|---|
Peach | Spring Flame, Princess Time, Pearl White | Summer | Juicy, fragrant, vibrant colors |
Nectarine | Polar Light, Rose Diamond | Summer | Juicy, fragrant, vibrant colors |
Cherry | Rainiers, Coral, Bing | Early Summer | Sweet, firm, colorful |
Apricot | Angelcot® | Early Summer | Bright, tangy, sweet |
Plum | Very Cherry | Summer | Ranging hues and flavors |
Tropical Treasures
While not native to all U.S. regions, fruits like pineapples, mangoes, and papayas are abundant in late spring and early summer. These fruits bring exotic flavors, adding a unique taste to various dishes.
Pineapples are best from June to August. They're juicy and sweet-tart, making them perfect for dishes like salads and cocktails. Mangoes, a summer favorite, are available from May to September. Their creamy texture and tropical smell are perfect for smoothies and ice cream.
In the late spring and early summer, papayas are hard to miss with their bright orange color and soft texture. Whether fresh, in smoothies, or added to dishes, they're a great change from the usual fruits.
Fruit | Peak Season | Prominent Regions |
---|---|---|
Pineapples | June to August | Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico |
Mangoes | May to September | Mexico, Florida, California |
Papayas | Late Spring to Early Summer | Hawaii, Mexico, Central America |
Tropical fruits are great in various dishes. They bring a unique flavor to the season's regular fruits.
Melons and Grapes
In the summer, melons and grapes are welcome treats that are both juicy and cool. Cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew melons are at their best in June. They offer a refreshing delight on hot days. June is also the time when grapes become sweet. They can be enjoyed fresh or added to dishes, like salads or cocktails, bringing their flavor to life.
Grapes are available throughout summer in many types. Each is a perfect pick in the produce section. Cantaloupes are easy to spot when ripe with their yellow skin. They stay fresh for a week. Casaba melons should feel firm and have no soft spots. They last a week at room temp before they need the fridge. For watermelons, pick the ones that feel heavy and have a creamy yellow spot. This ensures they're perfectly ripe.
When choosing grapes, look for plump ones that are free from damage. They'll last up to ten days in the fridge or you can freeze them. Just like with melons, grapes are great on their own or in dishes. Whether you go for seedless or seeded, these fruits are a summer necessity for a sweet treat.
What Fruits Are in Season in May and June
As it gets warmer, summer fruits start to fill the shelves. In May and June in the United States, lots of fruits are at their best. There's something for everyone, from sweet berries to tangy tropical fruits.
Here's what to look out for in May and June:
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all in peak season. Blueberries hit their best time in June and July. Raspberries and blackberries spoil quickly so enjoy them fast.
- Stone Fruits: June is when cherries, apricots, and more are at their juiciest. Cherry season ends by early July in cooler places.
- Tropical Fruits: You can find pineapples, mangoes, and papayas too, bringing exotic vibes to your plate.
- Melons: Cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew are bursting with sweetness. They're perfect for summer snacks and salads.
- Grapes: Green and purple grapes are ready to eat in June and July.
These fruits are not just tasty. They are also full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Eat them fresh or use them in recipes. May and June's fruits are a great way to enjoy the season's best.
Fruit | Season | Key Facts |
---|---|---|
Strawberries | June | They're most abundant in June and reach their peak season in the US. |
Blueberries | June-July | This fruit's season is shorter, peaking in June and July. |
Raspberries | June-August | These are very fragile. Keep them cold once you buy them. |
Blackberries | June-August | Blackberries are best from the farm, ripe on the vine. |
Cherries | June-July | In cooler places, cherry season ends early July. |
Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums | June | These fruits shine in June, especially in warmer places. |
Pineapples, Mangoes, Papayas | May-June | These tropical fruits bring a hint of the exotic to the season. |
Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew | June-July | Nothing beats these cool, sweet fruits in the summertime. |
Grapes | June-July | Both green and purple grapes are at their juiciest. |
Conclusion
The shift from spring to summer fills markets with fresh, tasty fruits across the U.S. Knowing what's in season in May and June helps people choose the best fruits for their meals. This guide covered everything from favorite berries to delicious stone fruits and exotic treats.
With the temperature climbing and the sun brighter, many fruits become available. This is a great chance for us to eat what's in season. It lets us enjoy the unbeatable taste and nutrition of perfectly timed fruits. Such an eating style also makes us more connected to nature. It helps us see how it supports our healthy diet.
In summer, we can enjoy a variety of fruits, from juicy berries to sweet stone fruits. In the process, we get closer to nature and its yearly cycles. This connection can improve our health and make us enjoy the season more.