Eating Seasonally in Summer

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September 14, 2025

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Eating foods in their season is a great way to eat local, save money, and take advantage of the most delicious produce. Eating seasonally in summer is probably the easiest of all the seasons merely because of the sheer volume of fresh foods.

A basket full of okra, fresh basil leaves, and yellow tomatoes sits on a table. Text overlay reads: eating seasonally in summer.

When to Find Summer Seasonal Foods?

When summer begins and ends is more of a location based idea rather than a calendar driven time frame. Summer may begin in June for some but for those in the deep south it might begin in May, for those in the north it might not start until August.

All that to say let the local climate (not the ‘summer solstice’) determine what foods to eat and when.

Use the garden as the best sign of what’s in season. Don’t have a large garden? Visit local farms and farmer’s markets to find local and in-season foods. This is always the easiest and best way to determine seasonal foods. Get to know your local farmers and don’t be afraid to ask for deals on large quantities for preserving. Many orchards will also offer deals on bruised fruits in quantity for preserving.

Common Summer Produce

Summer tends to be the season of abundance. There is rarely a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables and the variety tends to be huge.

Summer vegetables include things like summer squash, beans, tomatoes, peppers, corn, and cucumbers.

Fruits available in summer usually include things like cherries, peaches, nectarines, and melons.

While most of those foods preserve well and easily be sure to gorge on them in season. This is the joy of seasonal eating – eating everything fresh and then missing it in the off-season once the preserves are gone.

Cooking in Summer

Summer tends to be hot and not the time of year many of us want to spend over a hot stove. Use this season to keep meals simple and cool.

Eat salads and raw veggies with crackers and cheese. Skip the long-cooked roasts in favor of pan-fried meats along side quick stir fried veggies on the side.

An open solar oven sits in a field with trees in the background.

Don’t forget to cook outdoors – use the grill, a campfire, experiment with solar cooking and more. Take advantage of the season and be outside as often as is comfortable. Heck even that cast iron can be used on the grill and help keep the house cooler.

A basket of tomatoes and peppers sits on a table surrounded by more fresh vegetables. A text overlay reads: eat seasonally in summer.
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A close-up of a slice of zucchini lasagna on a white plate showcases its layers of zucchini, meat, and cheese. Text reads: "Zucchini Lasagna, a tasty way to use overgrown zucchini—perfect for eating seasonally in summer.
www.schneiderpeeps.com
Zucchini Lasagna {it’s not about going low carb}
Zucchini tends to be more than a little productive, this lasagna is a great and hearty way to make use of it in a way the whole family will enjoy.
Check out this recipe
2
A jar filled with vibrant red, orange, and yellow cherry tomatoes, topped with fresh basil leaves, sits on a wooden surface—a perfect tribute to eating seasonally in summer.
www.growforagecookferment.com
Fermented Cherry Tomato Bombs
Cherry tomato plants tend to be productive, ferment them for a delicious and different side dish instead of just munching or putting them on salads.
Check out this recipe
3
A bowl of creamy pale green zucchini soup, perfect for eating seasonally in summer, adorned with a sprinkle of spices. It rests on a white cloth beside a halved garlic bulb, a wooden-handled spoon, and a fresh zucchini, capturing the essence of warm weather flavors.
www.attainable-sustainable.net
Cucumber Salsa is an Unexpected Flavor Delight!
Use those cucumbers for something other than salad topping or pickles with this unusual sauce.
Check out this recipe
4
Grilled green beans and peas, perfect for eating seasonally in summer, are garnished with fresh basil leaves and chopped herbs on a white surface.
www.rhubarbarians.com
Quick sauteed green beans and peas with mint and basil
Toss those beans and peas together with some fresh herbs for a quick and delightful side dish.
Check out this recipe
5
A close-up of fresh peach salsa, perfect for eating seasonally in summer, with diced peaches, red onions, cilantro, and a hint of red bell pepper, showcasing vibrant colors and textures.
homestead-honey.com
Peach Salsa Recipe
Salsa can be more than just tomatoes and hot peppers, try this peachy version for a cooling and delicious twist.
Check out this recipe
6
A tomato tart with a slice removed sits on a white plate atop a marble surface, capturing the essence of eating seasonally in summer. Nearby, there's a small bowl of mustard with a spoon, fresh green leaves, whole tomatoes, and another plate with part of the tart.
www.curatedlifestudio.com
Easy Tomato Tart with Puff Pastry
Use all those gorgeous fresh tomatoes for a fresh tart instead of pizza night on summer weekends.
Check out this recipe
7
A bowl of potato salad with red potatoes, sliced radishes, cucumbers, dill, and onions on a wooden board captures the essence of eating seasonally in summer. A blue cloth napkin and a small bowl of whole potatoes are nearby, along with gold measuring spoons.
www.yayforfood.com
Mustard Dill Potato Salad (No Mayo)
Those backyard BBQs and potlucks often need a potato salad, this one skips the mayo making it easier to avoid spoiling in the heat.
Check out this recipe
8
An image shows cookies on a red plaid cloth above the text "Campfire Cooking Rob Roy Cookies." Below, a cast-iron skillet contains dried leaves and rocks on a wooden surface—a perfect nod to eating seasonally in summer.
homesteadlady.com
Campfire Cooking: Rob Roy Cookies
Make cookies directly on the campfire using a cast iron skillet or by wrapping them in leaves for a fun outdoor treat for kids & adults alike.
Check out this recipe
9
A close-up of three colorful homemade popsicles on a floral-patterned plate evokes eating seasonally in summer. One is pink, another purple, and the third a delightful mix of both. Each artisanal treat features a wooden stick and rests elegantly in its metal holder.
joybileefarm.com
Healthy Blueberry Popsicles With Just 3 Ingredients
Make cooling treats you can feel good about serving with popsicles made from local fruit.
Check out this recipe
10
A slice of bundt cake on a white plate with a fork, showcasing visible pieces of fruit, embodies the essence of eating seasonally in summer. A whole peach sits in the background on a floral tablecloth, next to the remainder of the bundt cake on a vibrant red platter.
homespunseasonalliving.com
Nectarine Cake
Fresh fruit always makes for delightful pies, but it also goes great in many cakes and this nectarine cake is most and flavorful.
Check out this recipe

Thanks for sharing!

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