One of the best things about the summertime is the fresh produce that you can only get this time of year. When August rolls around, grocery store produce shelves are filled to the brim with perfectly ripened peaches, melons, strawberries, avocados, and more. Sure, you can enjoy these fruits year-round, but summer is their time to shine while they’re in season and as tasty as ever. If you’re looking for a healthy snack or a sweet treat, it’s time to head over to your local Stater Bros. Markets and pick up some of these fresh, summer fruits before they’re gone!
Peaches
Peaches belong in the stone fruit family which gets its name from the pit or “stone” found at its center. Summer is the best time of year to enjoy peaches as they’re typically in season from mid-May through August.
A great thing about picking up a basket of peaches at the produce stand? They’re extremely versatile fruits. Peach cobbler, peach pie, peach ice cream, or maybe just a bowl of peaches with some fresh whipped cream. There are countless ways to enjoy a peach.
If you’re wondering what to look for to ensure you’re picking out peaches that are ripe and ready to eat, here’s a few things to note:
- Look for firm-to-slightly-soft peaches with a pleasant aroma.
- The best peaches will have a vibrant yellow or orange background and partially covered with red patches.
- Size may matter. Typically, the best peaches are bigger peaches because they typically have higher levels of sugar and other flavors.
Watermelon
No fruit screams “summer” more so than a freshly cut watermelon. Chunk it, slice it, or even juice it, watermelon is a deliciously healthy summer treat. Consisting of 92% water, this summer fruit will keep you hydrated and cool at the park, at the beach, or wherever you’re snacking.
It can be particularly challenging to know how to pick a nice, ripe watermelon . Read our “7 Tips: How to Pick a Watermelon” to find out how.
Strawberries
Strawberries are another classic summer fruit, and for good reason. These plump, sweet berries are filled with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. So, while they taste great, they’re equally as healthy.
The opportunities are endless when it comes to different ways to enjoy some strawberries in the heat of summer. You can whip up a dessert like strawberry shortcake, blend them up into a healthy, protein-packed smoothie, or slice them up and use them as a garnish for your favorite cocktail.
When you’re out grocery shopping, here’s a few things to look for when you’re picking out strawberries to ensure the berries you bring home will be ready to eat:
- Bright red color
- Fresh green leaves
- Nicely plump (no signs of shriveling)
- No mold
Avocados
Avocados are particularly fickle, and it can be hard to know whether or not the one you’ve picked up from the produce section is ready to eat. With that in mind, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Color. Ripe avocados will have a skin color that’s dark green to almost black.
- Skin. Skin texture is important when picking an avocado. Ripe avocados will feel bumpy, not smooth.
- Firmness. Give the avocado a gentle squeeze. Ripe avocados should yield to light pressure, but they shouldn’t be left dented or mushy.
Whether guacamole, avocado toast, or tasty summer salad is on the menu, you can rest assured a nice, ripe avocado will make all the difference.