Take A Bite Of Something New
While your fruit trees may be dormant as the temperatures drop, there's no reason to wait around for summer fruits to come back into season. Not only are winter fruits incredibly underrated, but they're some of the most delicious out there! Let's take a culinary road trip through the seasons.
1. Clementines
Few things say cold weather like coming home with a crate of clementines to stave off those winter blues. Clementines are a classic lunchbox snack that satisfy all ages. Clementines are in season from October to January.
2. Blood Oranges
Combining that classic orange tang with notes of berry sweetness, blood oranges are far tastier than their fearsome name. One of the most striking winter fruits, blood oranges provide a heft dose of much-needed vitamin C in a pretty package. Find them in stores from December through April.
3. Persimmons
Botanically a berry, persimmons come in two main varieties: Fuyu and Hachiya. Fuyus are crisp and tart, while Hachiyas are soft and custardy when fully ripe. Persimmon season runs from October to January depending on the variety.
4. Satsumas
You may have seen satsuma listed as an ingredient in bath products, but have you ever tasted one? Satsumas have delicate and incredibly sweet flesh, which makes it difficult to ship them overseas; so, if you see them, make sure to snatch them up! Satsuma season lasts from November through February.
5. Grapefruits
You may think of grapefruit as a summer fruit, but they're actually at their best in the winter. Grapefruits grow from November to March, making them the perfect fruit to keep you sane through the darkest months of the year. Grapefruit's tart taste is a perfect match for sweet, salty, and bitter flavors.
6. Passion Fruit
If you want a taste of the tropics, you're in luck! Passion fruits are in season from mid-summer through mid-winter for a burst of tart sweetness. Passion fruits come in two varieties: purple and yellow, both with gelatinous pulp and crunchy edible seeds.
7. Pear
Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc—you name it—if it's a pear, it's probably in season. Pears have a long season, running from August through January, so there's plenty of time to ex-pear-iment with pre-pear-ation. Pears are pretty tough, and can work as a grilled main course as well as a cake topping.
8. Kumquats
Kumquats are a bit of an oddball as far as citrus goes. Resembling an orange the size of an olive, the skin, rather than the flesh, is prized for its sweetness. Kumquats are in season from December to March.
9. Pomelos
The largest citrus fruit and ancestor of several others that we know and love today, pomelo is similar in taste to grapefruit, but a little sweeter. Pomelo season runs from December to February, and pomelos are traditionally eaten on festive occasions throughout East and Southeast Asia. Why not ring in the new year with this gorgeous fruit?
10. Pomegranates
The queen of winter fruits, pomegranates may be difficult to open, but we promise they're worth it. Sweet, tart, and full of antioxidants, pomegranate seeds are a wonderful topping for yogurt and desserts or eaten on their own. Pomegranate season runs from October to early January.
Now that we've covered some fruits that are in season in winter, let's reminisce on a few that aren't.
1. Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and everything in between—we can't get enough of berries. Berry season peaks in June through August. While you can find them out of season without much trouble, be prepared to pay a premium for out-of-season fruit.
2. Cherries
Cherries have one of the shortest season of all summer fruits, running from late June to early August. Cherry season's short duration means all the more reason to cherish these ruby-red fruits. Cherries come in two varieties: sweet and sour.
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3. Peaches
Other stone fruits such as plums, apricots, and nectarines are also in season throughout summer, but we think peaches are the biggest crowd-pleaser. Generally, peach season falls between July and August, however, this varies by variety. Freestone peaches, for example, can be found until the end of September.
4. Watermelons
If other fruits say "summer", watermelon screams summer. Not only is watermelon delicious whether you skewer it, juice it, or eat it right from the rind, it's also one of the most hydrating fruits around at 92% water. Luckily, watermelons are in season from May to September, so they can keep you hydrated through the hottest days of summer.
5. Avocados
Yes, avocados are a fruit even if they don't look like one and are packed with protein. Technically, avocados are almost always in season, as they're grown at different times in different places. Hass avocados, one of the most popular varieties, grow from January to October, and are at their best in June.
6. Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe may be controversial choice for this list, as their growing season can last from April through December. However, cantaloupe, along with other melons such as honeydew, is at its best in the summer. Cantaloupe loves heat and and tends to peak along with August temperatures.
7. Pineapples
Even if you're not relaxing on a beach somewhere, it's always island time with a fresh pineapple on hand. Pineapple is great in salsas, marinades, and fruit salads. Pineapples come into season in March and last through July.
8. Grapes
Grapes are another fruit that you can find year-round without too much difficulty. However, if you want the best grapes, you'll seek them out towards the end of August. With so many different cultivars, there's a delicious world of possibilities out there!
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9. Figs
Figs are special as they actually have growing seasons. They have a short burst in May and June, followed by a growth spurt in August through September. While black mission figs are the most common, be on the lookout for other varieties such as tiger or sierra figs.
10. Mangoes
With several popular varieties, mangoes are in season from March to July. While some of the most popular varieties such as honey mangoes and Tommy Atkins are best in Summer, Kent Mangoes are actually in season from December through February! Unlike other fruits, color is no indication of ripeness with regards to mangoes; look for soft flesh and a sweet aroma.
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