From corn and eggplant to green beans and peaches this ‘What’s in Season’ feature is a collection of the best fruits, veggies and recipes for the month of July.
Happy July Friends! We had a nice relaxing holiday weekend to celebrate the 4th and are just now getting back into the swing of our weekly routine. But, let’s be honest, the routine of summer is usually just sunshine, rosé, popsicles and a bit of controlled chaos. I always try to slow down a bit in the summer but despite my best intentions, we end up busier than ever and feeling a little frazzled.
Food has actually been my way to slow down and take a moment or two back. I’ve been scheming up more cocktails and easy appetizer ideas that will make those entertaining commitments stress free and give you back the time to focus on what really matters – friends, family and enjoying your time together. I can’t wait to share them with you! In the meantime, let’s take a peek at what’s in season this month!
WHAT’S IN SEASON: July
This collection of seasonal fruits, veggies and delicious recipes will inspire you to eat fresh, locally and as seasonally as possible throughout the month of June.
Corn
The super sweet fresh corn is just hitting farmers market stands this month and it’s always one of my summer favorites! Grilled in the husk and topped with flavored butter and a sprinkle of salt or cut from the cob and served on a pizza you really can’t go wrong. If you’ve got too many ears of corn on your hands, here are a few tasty go-to’s. But, keep in mind when selecting the freshest corn of the bunch, you want plump kernels and a bright green, tender husk.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob from Bourbon and Honey
- Farmers’ Market Pizza from Bourbon and Honey
- Grilled Scallops with Grilled Corn and Herb Polenta from Recipes from a Pantry
- Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos from Platings and Pairings
Eggplant
Not the first summer veggie (oops, it’s technically a fruit!) that comes to mind but eggplants are a serious workhorse in the kitchen. With a creamy texture for dips and a rich, meaty flavor when grilled, they’re the perfect addition to lots of summery recipes! When selecting the best eggplant, you want a small to medium sized veggie with smooth, shiny skin.
- Eggplant Chicken Parmesan from Bourbon and Honey
- Roasted Baby Eggplant with Harissa from Bourbon and Honey
- Campfire Grilled Ratatouille Kebabs from Fresh of the Grid
- Baked Eggplant with Lentils and Tomatoes from Quite Good Food
- Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta from Vibrant Plate
Green Beans
Oh green beans! You get a bad wrap since you’re both green and beanie but if the cool kids would just give you a chance, they’d totally understand! Really though, they’re so fresh and versatile that you can’t go wrong! When selecting green beans, look for crisp, brightly colored beans that snap when bent and have a smooth skin.
- Green Bean Fries with Lemon-Garlic Aioli
- Green Beans with Almonds Shallots and Garlic
- Garlic Green Beans with Bacon and Feta from Savory Tooth
- Grilled Halloumi with Shallots, Green Beans and Pine Nut Salad from Emma Eats and Explores
Herbs
I started my gardening adventure with a little herb box that sat on the patio right outside our kitchen. They’re easy to grow and can add a fresh flavor to all of your dishes. I love adding a slice of lemon or lime and a few fresh cut herbs to my water bottle in the morning to keep things interesting. If you’re picking up your own herbs, stick with ones that look clean, unblemished and have a vibrant color.
- Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri
- Basil Walnut Pesto from Garlic and Zest
- Green Basil Pesto Hummus from Lauren Caris Cooks
Melon
I’m not sure what is more summer-y than eating giant slices of watermelon in the sunshine. It reminds me of being a kid but there are so many other ways to enjoy summer melons. When picking our your melons, you want to look for a dull surface and the fruit should be heavier than expected for its size but watch out for any cracks or bruises.
- Bourbon and Honey Melon Balls
- Watermelon Tequila Slush
- Lychee Cantaloupe Popsicles from The Flavor Blender
- Honeydew Sorbet from I Heart Vegetables
- Watermelon Margarita Popsicles from Salt and Lavender
- Watermelon Basil Salad with Goat Cheese from Inside the Rustic Kitchen
Peaches
Peach pie, peach ice cream, peach tea, peach salsa, peaches by the crate… peach, peaches, peaches! To pick the perfect peach, look for unblemished skin and fruit with a slight firmness with a fresh, sweet aroma.
- No-Churn Coconut Peach Ice Cream
- Bourbon Peach Bellini
- Grilled Jerk Fish Tacos With Tangy Peach Salsa from Killing Thyme
- Panna Cotta with Roasted Peaches from Novice House Wife
- Fresh Peach and Raspberry Clafoutis from Saving Dessert
Raspberries
Raspberries by the handful are a favorite snack around here, I can’t stop, won’t stop, especially when they’re in season! To pick the best raspberries, just look for dry, firm, deeply colored berries.
- Bourbon and Honey Raspberry Lemonade
- Berry Swirled Frozen Yogurt Pops
- Raspberry Mojitos from Recipes from a Pantry
- Baked Camembert with Honey and Raspberries from Eat, Little Bird
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the darling of the summer crop-share baskets. They have so much more flavor when locally grown or plucked from your backyard, still warmed by the sun. The only problem is, you’re usually stuck with a bumper crop and dozens of tomatoes are ripe all at the same time. When picking out the perfect tomato, look for slightly firm tomatoes that are vibrant in color. If you’re burdened with a bumper crop, check out these recipes to create something tasty to enjoy all that bounty!
- Roasted Tomato Salsa with Pepitas
- Heirloom Tomato Tart
- Cherry Tomato Relish from Eat, Little Bird
- Tomato and Whipped Feta Crostini from Certified Pastry Aficionado
What are your favorite recipes for July?
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Natasha @ Salt & Lavender says
What a great list!! Thanks for including my popsicles. 🙂