13 Foods To Try This Summer Before They Go Out Of Season

Ideal for Mediterranean recipes, this delicate herb imparts rich, earthy flavor to any dish. Try a chiffonade of basil sprinkled on top of pastas, vegetables, or mixed with salads. Quickly blanching basil in boiling water can bring out its intense flavor. 

Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are just a few of the berries that reach peak flavor during the summer. Berries are packed full of antioxidants and deliver a punch of flavor in your favorite summer pie recipe. Pair them fresh off the bush with some simple whipped cream while the picking is still good. 

Anaheim and poblano chiles are available year-round, but reach their peak flavor in the summer months. These chiles have a tough skin, but char nicely to add flavor and a little heat to your favorite chile relleno recipe. 

Enhancing salads for generations, this member of the gourd family is a quintessential summer vegetable with a refreshing, subtle flavor. Try using cucumbers to make sorbet, or throw some into a smoothie.

Escarole is part of the chicory/endive family and has a significantly less bitter aftertaste than traditional endive. It is ideal in salads or gently wilted.

It might surprise you to learn that the Peach State, i.e. Georgia, actually produces fewer peaches per year than California. Not matter where your peaches come from, one thing is true: They should be just the right amount of sweet and juicy.

Eating this summer fruit can help you stay hydrated — a must during the blazing days of midsummer. In addition to hydration, watermelon makes an excellent addition to salads, cocktails, and desserts.