Summer is the time when juicy fruits are in season, and July is no exception! From sweet strawberries to tangy cherries, July has the perfect variety of fruits to satisfy your taste buds. With so many choices, it can be difficult to decide which fruits to grab from your local farmer’s market or grocery store. In this article, we will explore the top fruits in season in July that you must try!
The Top Fruits in Season in July
Strawberries
Strawberry is a tasty fruit that people all over the world enjoy. They are one of the most versatile fruits in the world, and they are great to eat on their own, baked into a pie, or blended into a smoothie!
If you are looking for fresh, juicy strawberries, then July is the month to get them! They are usually available from June to August, but they are at their peak in July. When shopping for strawberries, look for ones that are firm, plump, and bright red. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious snack.
Cherries
Cherries are another favorite summertime fruit that is at its best in July. This fruit is highly nutritious and loaded with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
When it comes to cherries, there are typically two varieties: sweet and sour. The sweet cherries are the ones that you usually eat fresh from the tree, while the sour cherries are better used for baking or cooking pies. Both varieties are delicious, but if you want to enjoy them fresh, then July is the time to do so!
Peaches
Peaches are a summer fruit that is known for its juicy and sweet taste. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a snack.
Most peaches are in season from May to September, and they are at their peak in July. When shopping for peaches, look for ones that are fragrant, firm, and free of bruises or soft spots. They can be eaten as is, or mixed into a smoothie or yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a small, delicate fruit that packs a lot of nutritional punch. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants, making them a great choice for a healthy snack.
Blueberries are typically in season from May to September, but they are at their peak in July. When shopping for blueberries, look for ones that are firm, plump, and have a deep blue color. They can be eaten fresh, cooked into a pie or cobbler, or blended into a smoothie.
Mangoes
Mangoes are a tropical fruit that is in season in July. They are juicy, sweet, and incredibly delicious. Mangoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for a healthy snack or dessert.
When shopping for mangoes, look for ones that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and free of bruises or cuts. Mangoes can be eaten as is, or blended into a smoothie or salad for a tropical twist.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a classic summertime fruit that is perfect for hot July days. It is juicy, refreshing, and incredibly delicious. Watermelon is a great source of hydration and contains vitamins A, C, and potassium.
When shopping for watermelon, look for ones that are symmetrical, heavy for their size, and have a uniform green color. The flesh should be firm and free of cracks or soft spots. Watermelon can be eaten as is, or blended into a refreshing drink or smoothie.
Plums
Plums are a juicy and sweet fruit that is in season in July. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for a snack or dessert.
When shopping for plums, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch, but not too mushy. The skin should be shiny and smooth, and the fruit should give off a sweet aroma. Plums can be eaten as is or mixed into a fruit salad for a refreshing and healthy treat.
Apricots
Apricots are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is in season in July. They are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, making them a great choice for a healthy snack or dessert.
When shopping for apricots, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch, but not too mushy. They should be orange or yellow in color, and free of bruises or cuts. Apricots can be eaten as is, or blended into a smoothie or baked into a tart for a tasty dessert.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a small but mighty fruit that is in season in July. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for a snack or dessert.
When shopping for raspberries, look for ones that are plump, bright red, and free of bruises or cuts. Raspberries can be eaten fresh, cooked into a delicious jam, or blended into a smoothie for a refreshing and healthy treat.
Blackberries
Blackberries are a juicy and delicious fruit that is in season in July. They are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for a snack or dessert.
When shopping for blackberries, look for ones that are plump, shiny, and free of bruises or cuts. Blackberries can be eaten as is, blended into a smoothie, or baked into a pie for a sweet and tasty dessert.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is available year-round, but it is in season in July. It is sweet and juicy, and contains vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, making it a great choice for a healthy snack or dessert.
When shopping for pineapple, look for ones that are heavy for their size, have a fragrant smell, and are free of bruises or cuts. Pineapple can be eaten fresh, mixed into a fruit salad, or blended into a refreshing drink.
Figs
Figs are a sweet and delicious fruit that is in season in July. They are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for a snack or dessert.
When shopping for figs, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and free of bruises or cuts. Figs can be eaten as is, mixed into a salad or paired with a cheese board for a unique and tasty snack.
Apples
Apples are in season in late summer and early fall, but some early varieties are available in July. Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a snack or dessert.
When shopping for apples, look for ones that are firm, free of bruises or cuts and have a glossy appearance. Apples can be eaten as is, baked into a pie, or blended into a smoothie for a delicious and healthy treat.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a juicy and delicious fruit that is in season in July. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, and is high in water content, making it a great choice for a refreshing summer snack.
When shopping for cantaloupe, look for ones that are symmetrical, heavy for their size, and have a uniform color. The flesh should be firm and free of bruises or soft spots. Cantaloupe can be eaten fresh, blended into a smoothie, or mixed into a fruit salad for a refreshing and healthy treat.
How to Choose the Best Fruits
When shopping for fruits, it is important to choose the freshest ones possible to get the best flavor and nutritional value. Here are some tips on how to choose the best fruits:
Look for a vibrant color
Choose fruits that have a vibrant color and look fresh. Make sure there are no bruises, soft spots or other signs of damage.
Check the firmness
If a fruit is too soft or too hard, chances are it is overripe or not yet ripe. For example, avocados should be slightly soft to the touch, while peaches should be slightly firm.
Follow your nose
Smell the fruit to make sure it has a good aroma. Fruits with a strong, sweet fragrance are usually the best ones to choose.
Check for ripeness
Some fruits, like bananas or avocados, can be ripened at home. However, other fruits, like strawberries, should be eaten as soon as possible after they are picked or bought.
Buy in-season fruits
Fruits that are in season are usually the freshest and the most flavorful. They are also more affordable than those that are out of season.
The Benefits of Eating Seasonal Fruits
Eating seasonal fruits has many benefits, including:
Better taste
Seasonal fruits are usually fresher and taste better than those that are out of season. They are also more flavorful and nutritious.
Lower cost
Seasonal fruits are less expensive since they are abundant and don’t need to be imported from other countries. You can save money by choosing fruits that are in season.
More nutrients
Seasonal fruits are packed with more vitamins and minerals than those that are out of season. This is because they are picked at their peak and are not stored or transported for long periods of time.
Supporting local farmers
Choosing in-season fruits supports local farmers and the economy. It also helps reduce the carbon footprint since fruits don’t have to be transported from far-off regions.
FAQs
What fruits are in season in July?
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Mangoes
- Watermelon
- Plums
- Apricots
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Pineapple
- Figs
- Apples
- Cantaloupe
Why is it important to eat seasonal fruits?
Eating seasonal fruits is important because they are more nutritious, flavorful, and affordable. They are also better for the environment since they don’t need to be transported from far-off regions.
Are fruits more expensive when out of season?
Yes, fruits that are out of season are more expensive since they are often imported from other countries or grown in greenhouses.
How do I know if a fruit is in season?
You can usually tell if a fruit is in-season by its availability and price. Fruits that are in season are usually abundant and less expensive than those that are out of season. You can also ask your local farmer or produce seller.
Are locally-grown fruits better than those that are imported?
Locally-grown fruits are usually fresher and taste better than those that are imported from other countries. They are also more nutritious and better for the environment since they don’t have to be transported for long distances.
Conclusion
July has some of the best and most delicious fruits in season. From strawberries to watermelon, there is a wide variety of juicy, sweet, and flavorful fruits to choose from. By choosing seasonal fruits, you can get the freshest and most nutritious fruits while supporting local farmers and the economy.