13 Foods to Try This Summer Before They Go Out Of Season
July 21, 2015
Try these foods at their peak flavor — right now

Photo Modified: Flickr / takomabibelot / CC BY 4.0
Just because we live in a country where most produce is available year round doesn’t mean there aren’t marked differences from season to season.
13 Foods To Try This Summer Before They Go Out Of Season

Photo Modified: Flickr / takomabibelot / CC BY 4.0
Just because we live in a country where most produce is available year round doesn’t mean there aren’t marked differences from season to season.
Basil

Photo Modified: Flickr / thebittenword.com / CC BY 4.0
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.
Berries

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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.
Chiles

Photo Modified: Flickr/ Karen and Brad Emerson /CC BY 2.0
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.
Corn
Sweet summer corn — is there anything better? Corn is one of the most versatile foods available in the summer, leaving you lots of room to experiment and improvise. Sweet summer corn ice cream made from corn husks or chilled corn soup are great ways to enjoy all that this hot-weather staple has to offer.
Eggplant

Photo Modified: Flickr / takomabibelot / CC BY 4.0
A perfect eggplant is a sight to behold: Its beautiful, lustrous purple (or lavender, white, orange, green, or mottled) skin adds gorgeous color to platters of grilled vegetables. Because of its high water content, however, eggplant can be a little tricky to work with. Remember to slice and salt your eggplant slices, particularly if you’re frying them, to avoid a soggy outcome.
Watermelon

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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.