Even though we live in a time and place of having almost any fruit or vegetable ready at hand, it definitely hasn't always been this way. Getting your fix of the tropical imports is always fun, but buying seasonal produce helps ensure your food is going to taste its best, and it might even be local!
Buying the fruits and vegetables that are in season is a great way to support your local farmers, and it's always so much fun to wander around a farmers market on a beautiful spring or summer morning
Here's a quick list of some produce favorites and their best growing seasons, along with a few ideas for how to use them in unexpected ways:
Fruits
Grapefruit - a famous Texas staple, ruby red grapefruits and other citrus grow from October till April. Toss some slices into a salad with goat cheese and balsamic vinegar for your ever-important Vitamin C
Melons - Pecos cantaloupes can't be beaten in the summer, along with watermelons and honeydew that are growing from May all the way into winter. If you're looking to get fancy, wrap up your melon with some prosciutto and *chef's kiss*
Grapes - I mean, other than enjoying a glass of wine from the Hill Country or the Panhandle, technically you can also eat the grapes from August until October.
Peaches, plums, and nectarines - these grow sweet and juicy from June until September. For a twist on an Italian Caprese salad, swap out tomato for one of these stone fruits and you'll have a refreshing and easy appetizer
Apples - apples of all types are a fall staple, of course, but they grow from July into November. Depending on your taste you can use some tart Granny Smith to freshen up a coleslaw or some ultra-sweet Fuji for an apple galette
Figs - these fickle little critters are harvested in June and July, with a second showing in the fall. If you think you aren't "a fig person" try some figs sliced in half, goat cheese on top, with some fresh cracked pepper and a drizzle of honey - toast it up under the broiler, and then let me know if you still think you aren't into figs!
Vegetables
Tomatoes - I swear, a perfectly ripe and juicy tomato is quite possibly the most delicious vegetable (or fruit if that's your cup of ketchup) ever. The best season for them in Texas is from April until October, and pretty much every meal can stand to have a tomato or two in it
Okra - a must-have if you're making some Cajun food, growing from late summer until early fall, it will be perfect in some gumbo with any protein you choose
Zucchini and summer squash - growing from May until October, these are perfect on the grill with a little bit of lemon juice and seasoning to brighten up a bar-b-que
Winter squash - spoiler alert, they're really good in the winter! Butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are all delicious and hearty from October through the spring
Corn - whether it's grilled or boiled or smothered in butter, corn on the cob is a Texas staple at any cookout worth its salt, which is probably why the best corn lines up with cookout season from May until August
Texas has a fantastically warm climate that allows several fruits and vegetables to be in season pretty much all year, including cabbage, carrots, celery, and peppers
A great way to find local seasonal produce is to check out a farmer's market near you!
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