SEASONAL SAVOR: Must-try fruits and creative ways to enjoy them!

Seasonal fruits not only bring a refreshing burst of flavor but also provide a chance to enjoy produce at its peak, rich in nutrients and taste. From the juiciest summer berries to the crisp apples of fall, each season has its own bounty to offer. Here’s a guide to some must-try seasonal fruits and creative ways to enjoy them!

Spring Fruits

Strawberries

Strawberries are the quintessential spring fruit. Their vibrant red hue and sweet, tangy flavor make them a favorite for many. Spring is when strawberries are at their juiciest and most flavorful.

How to Enjoy:

  • Fresh and Simple: Enjoy them fresh with a sprinkle of sugar, or dip them in chocolate for a decadent treat.
  • Strawberry Salad: Add them to leafy greens with goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing salad.
  • Smoothies: Blend strawberries into a smoothie with yogurt or almond milk for a refreshing start to the day.

Cherries

Cherries are available in late spring and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. These little fruits are a treat for anyone who loves a bit of sweetness with a hint of tartness.

How to Enjoy:

  • Cherry Compote: Simmer cherries with a touch of sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice for a tangy compote, perfect over pancakes or ice cream.
  • Cherry Tart: Make a classic cherry tart with a buttery crust and a light filling, or use them in pies.
  • Fresh Snacking: Nothing beats the simplicity of fresh cherries; just wash and eat!

Apricots

These small, golden-orange fruits have a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors and are a great source of vitamin A.

How to Enjoy:

  • Grilled Apricots: Grill halved apricots for a smoky twist and serve with a drizzle of honey or yogurt.
  • Apricot Jam: Preserve the sweet flavor of apricots by making your own jam.
  • Baked Goods: Incorporate them into scones, cakes, or muffins for a soft and aromatic dessert.

Summer Fruits

Watermelon

One of the most refreshing fruits for the hot summer months, watermelon is hydrating, light, and irresistibly juicy.

How to Enjoy:

  • Watermelon Salad: Toss watermelon cubes with feta, mint, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing summer salad.
  • Watermelon Smoothie: Blend watermelon with a squeeze of lemon and a bit of honey for a hydrating smoothie.
  • Grilled Watermelon: Surprise your guests with grilled watermelon slices, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Peaches

Summer wouldn’t be complete without the sweet, juicy goodness of ripe peaches. This stone fruit is beloved for its fragrant aroma and succulent flesh.

How to Enjoy:

  • Peach Cobbler: Make a warm and comforting peach cobbler with a crunchy topping of oats and cinnamon.
  • Peach Iced Tea: Add fresh peach slices to iced tea for a fruity twist.
  • Grilled Peaches: Grill peach halves, drizzle with honey, and top with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Mangoes

Sweet, aromatic, and juicy, mangoes are a true summer delight. Whether eaten fresh or used in dishes, their tropical flavor is unforgettable.

How to Enjoy:

  • Smoothies: Blend mangoes with other tropical fruits like pineapple or banana for a creamy smoothie.
  • Salsas: Combine diced mango with red onion, cilantro, and lime for a refreshing salsa perfect for tacos or grilled meats.
  • Mango Chutney: Create a tangy chutney to pair with roasted meats.

Autumn Fruits

Apples

Fall is apple season, and the orchard-ready varieties offer a crisp bite with subtle sweetness or tartness depending on the type. Apples are incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.

How to Enjoy:

  • Apple Crisp: Bake sliced apples with cinnamon, oats, and butter to create a cozy apple crisp.
  • Apple Cider: Make your own apple cider or enjoy it warmed with a dash of cinnamon for a comforting autumn drink.
  • Savory Dishes: Slice apples into salads, or pair them with roasted meats like pork for a savory dish.

Pears

Pears are another fall favorite that peaks in late summer through autumn. Their sweet and juicy texture, combined with a delicate flavor, makes them perfect for both snacking and cooking.

How to Enjoy:

  • Poached Pears: Poach pears in red wine or spiced syrup for an elegant dessert.
  • Pears with Cheese: Pair sliced pears with soft cheeses like brie or blue cheese for an easy appetizer.
  • Pear Salad: Add fresh pear slices to salads with arugula, walnuts, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Grapes

Grapes are harvested in the fall, and they make for an easy and healthy snack. Whether you enjoy them fresh, dried (as raisins), or juiced, grapes offer a burst of sweetness.

How to Enjoy:

  • Grape Jelly: Make homemade grape jelly or spread it on toast for a comforting breakfast.
  • Frozen Grapes: Freeze grapes for a simple, cool snack on warm autumn afternoons.
  • Grape Drink: Crush fresh grapes to create a refreshing homemade grape juice.

Winter Fruits

Oranges

Winter is citrus season, and few fruits are as iconic as the orange. These juicy, tangy fruits are perfect for adding a burst of freshness to any meal.

How to Enjoy:

  • Fresh Juices: Squeeze fresh orange juice for a nutrient-packed, citrusy drink.
  • Orange Glazed Chicken: Use fresh orange juice and zest to create a tangy glaze for roasted chicken.
  • Citrus Salad: Combine segments of oranges with other citrus fruits for a colorful and refreshing salad.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are available in late fall and winter. These ruby-red seeds offer a crunchy texture and tart flavor that compliments both sweet and savory dishes.

How to Enjoy:

  • Pomegranate Seeds: Sprinkle fresh seeds on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal for added texture and flavor.
  • Pomegranate Molasses: Use pomegranate molasses as a tangy addition to sauces or dressings.
  • Pomegranate Smoothie: Blend the seeds into a smoothie with other winter fruits like bananas and spinach for an energizing start to the day.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a winter fruit that offers a tropical twist to the colder months. Its vibrant green color and sweet-tart flavor make it a delightful snack.

How to Enjoy:

  • Kiwi Smoothie: Blend kiwi with other fruits like mango and pineapple for a tropical smoothie.
  • Kiwi Sorbet: Puree kiwi and freeze it to make a refreshing, sweet sorbet.
  • Fruit Salad: Add peeled and sliced kiwi to fruit salads for a pop of color and tang.

 

[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]