The fruits of summer are some of the most delicious and versatile ingredients you can enjoy all year. Bursting with flavour, colour, and nutrients, summer fruits are perfect for snacking, cooking, baking, and refreshing drinks. Whether you pick them up at the farmers' market or grow them in your own backyard, these juicy gems are at their peak during the summer months.
Here’s a list of the top summer fruit picks, and a simple recipe or two for each one to help you make the most of the season.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a classic summer fruit, loved for its refreshing sweetness and high water content. It's perfect for hydrating on hot days and works great in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Try this recipe:
Watermelon Feta Salad – Combine cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a light and satisfying side dish.
Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries)
These small but mighty summer fruits are packed with antioxidants and flavour. Use them in everything from smoothies to desserts, or just enjoy them fresh by the handful.
Try this recipe:
Mixed Berry Parfaits – Layer fresh berries with Greek yogurt and granola for a quick, healthy treat that works for breakfast or dessert.
Peaches
Peaches are the ultimate fruit of summer, juicy, fragrant, and incredibly versatile. They shine in both sweet and savoury dishes, from cobblers to grilled mains.
Try this recipe:
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Ricotta – Halve and grill ripe peaches until lightly charred, then top with ricotta cheese and a drizzle of honey.
Cherries
Cherries are a seasonal favourite that bring a tart-sweet burst of flavour to any recipe. Great on their own, they’re also ideal for pies, salads, and even cocktails.
Try this recipe:
Cherry Almond Crumble Bars – Bake a batch using fresh cherries, almond extract, and a buttery oat topping for a delightful summer dessert.
Mangoes
Mangoes add tropical sweetness to your list of favourite summer fruits. Their soft texture and bright flavour make them perfect for salsas, smoothies, and frozen treats.
Try this recipe:
Mango Salsa – Dice mangoes and mix with red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. It’s a great topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Pineapple
Another tropical summer fruit, pineapple is tangy, juicy, and full of vitamin C. It pairs beautifully with both spicy and sweet flavours.
Try this recipe:
Pineapple Smoothie – Blend fresh pineapple with coconut milk, banana, and ice for a creamy, refreshing drink to cool you down on a hot summer day.
Plums
Plums offer a sweet-tart flavour that’s perfect for jams, salads, or roasted desserts. Their deep hues also add a beautiful visual touch to any fruit recipe.
Try this recipe:
Roasted Plums with Yogurt and Honey – Roast halved plums in the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon, then serve warm over yogurt with a spoonful of honey.
Create your own custom summer fruit medley with whatever’s in season near you. Toss together a vibrant fruit salad or freeze your favourites into ice pops for a fun and healthy treat.
Summer fruits are nature’s candy, nutritious, flavourful, and incredibly adaptable. Whether you're trying a new fruit recipe or enjoying them fresh, make the most of the fruits of summer while they’re at their sweetest.
