What’s in Season in June? Your Essential Guide to Peak Produce
Step into June and embrace the vibrant abundance of nature’s kitchen! This comprehensive guide reveals the freshest fruits and vegetables thriving during this delightful month. From the sun-kissed sweetness of strawberries and the juicy burst of ripe tomatoes to the crisp crunch of refreshing cucumbers and tender lettuce, June offers a spectacular palette of flavors and nutritional benefits. Discover how to select, prepare, and enjoy seasonal produce, transforming your meals into delicious summer creations bursting with unparalleled goodness. Eating seasonally not only elevates your culinary experience but also supports local farmers and promotes a healthier planet.
As the calendar flips to June, we officially welcome the glorious beginning of summer. The days stretch longer, the weather warms beautifully, and a magnificent bounty of fresh produce starts to flood the shelves of local grocery stores and, more excitingly, the bustling farmers’ markets. There’s a distinct joy in wandering through a farmers’ market on a sunny weekend, discovering the freshest, most vibrant fruits and vegetables, all locally sourced and bursting with peak-season flavor. It’s truly one of the most anticipated times of the year for food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.
June’s generous harvest presents an exceptional opportunity to truly connect with nature’s offerings. By consciously choosing seasonal produce, you’re not just bringing superior flavor and nutrition to your table; you’re actively supporting local agriculture, fostering community growth, and reducing your carbon footprint. Produce harvested in season is typically picked at its prime ripeness, meaning it has developed its fullest flavor and highest nutrient content, unlike items that might travel long distances or be picked prematurely. So, make it a point to visit your local market or grocery store and immerse yourself in the delightful flavors of June with luscious strawberries, vibrant tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and a host of other seasonal delights.
The sheer variety of ingredients that begin to fill our refrigerators and pantries expands exponentially as the summer months roll in. This comprehensive guide to what produce is in season in June is your go-to resource for navigating the exciting offerings of the next few weeks. These are the precious items you’ll want to prioritize for your shopping basket, ensuring you take full advantage of those incredibly tasty flavors and remarkable nutrients that are packed into June’s produce when they are at their absolute peak. Embrace the freshness, experiment with new recipes, and let the season inspire your cooking!
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Essential Vegetables in Season in June
June brings forth an incredible array of fresh, vibrant vegetables, perfect for grilling, salads, and light summer meals. From crisp greens to succulent roots, these vegetables are at their peak flavor and nutritional value this month. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a simple weeknight dinner, incorporating these seasonal delights will elevate your dishes and infuse them with the true taste of summer. Below is the ultimate list of everything that is in season in June, serving as your indispensable guide for shopping the produce section or your favorite local farmers’ market.
Artichokes: Perfect for steaming or grilling.
Arugula: Adds a peppery kick to salads.
Asparagus: Enjoy roasted, steamed, or grilled.
Avocado: Creamy and versatile for dips and salads.
Beets: Earthy and sweet, great roasted or pickled.
Bell Peppers: Crisp and colorful, ideal for stir-fries and fajitas.
Bok Choy: A tender, leafy green for Asian-inspired dishes.
Broccoli: Nutritious florets for any meal.
Cabbage: Versatile for slaws, stir-fries, or fermentation.
Cauliflower: A fantastic low-carb alternative for many recipes.
Chard: Robust and nutrient-rich, excellent sautéed.
Chilies: Add a spicy punch to your summer cooking.
Collard Greens: Hearty greens for Southern-inspired dishes.
Corn: Sweet and juicy, a summer grilling staple.
Cucumbers: Refreshing in salads and drinks.
Eggplant: Meaty and absorbent, great grilled or baked.
Endive: Slightly bitter, adds complexity to salads.
Fennel: Anise-flavored, wonderful in salads or roasted.
Garlic: Essential aromatic for countless recipes.
Green Beans: Crisp and tender, perfect steamed or sautéed.
Greens: A wide variety for fresh salads and cooking.
Herbs: Chervil, chives, dill, green onions, mint, sorrel, and thyme – fresh herbs elevate every dish.
Kale: Robust and highly nutritious, ideal for sautéing or salads.
Leeks: Mild onion flavor, great in soups and quiches.
Mushrooms: Earthy and umami-rich, perfect for adding depth.
Mustard Greens: Pungent and spicy, fantastic cooked down.
Okra: A Southern favorite, delicious fried or stewed.
Peas: Sweet and tender, lovely added to pasta or salads.
Radishes: Crisp and peppery, great fresh in salads.
Rhubarb: Tart stalks, excellent for pies and crumbles (often used as a vegetable, but in desserts).
Scallions: Mild onion flavor for garnishes and cooking.
Shallots: Delicately flavored, perfect for vinaigrettes and sauces.
Spinach: Versatile for salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes.
Summer Squash: Zucchini and other varieties are abundant and versatile.
Sweet Onions: Mild and sweet, perfect for grilling or carmelizing.
Tomatillos: Tangy, central to green salsas and Mexican cuisine.
Tomatoes: Sun-ripened and bursting with flavor, a summer essential.
Zucchini: Highly versatile for baking, grilling, or spiralizing.
Delicious Fruits in Season in June
June is a truly magical month for fruit lovers, as the sun’s warmth coaxes an incredible array of sweet and juicy fruits to their peak. From succulent berries to refreshing melons, now is the prime time to indulge in these seasonal gems. Incorporate them into your favorite snacks, whip up delightful desserts, craft refreshing mains, or mix them into vibrant cocktails. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors of June fruits will brighten every dish and drink. Get ready to explore the endless possibilities!
Apples: Early varieties begin to appear.
Apricots: Delicate and sweet, perfect for fresh eating or baking.
Blackberries: Juicy and tart, excellent in desserts and jams.
Blueberries: Bursting with antioxidants, great for everything.
Cantaloupe: Sweet and incredibly refreshing, a summer favorite.
Cherries: Sweet and tangy, ideal for snacking or pies.
Currants: Small, tart berries, fantastic in sauces or desserts.
Figs: Sweet and earthy, lovely with cheese or in salads.
Grapes: Early green varieties start to ripen.
Honeydew: Hydrating and subtly sweet, perfect for fruit salads.
Mango: Tropical and aromatic, a vibrant addition to many dishes.
Nectarines: Smooth-skinned and juicy, great grilled or fresh.
Oranges: Citrusy and refreshing, still available early in the month.
Peaches: Fuzzy and famously sweet, a true taste of summer.
Plums: Tart yet sweet, wonderful in baked goods or on their own.
Raspberries: Delicate and flavorful, perfect for desserts and garnishes.
Strawberries: The quintessential June berry, sweet and aromatic.
Watermelon: The ultimate thirst-quencher, essential for summer picnics.
Irresistible June Seasonal Recipes
With summer officially in full swing this month, the culinary options are truly endless for seasonal cooking inspiration! June’s bountiful harvest provides a perfect foundation for light, fresh, and flavorful dishes that celebrate the season. From vibrant salads and refreshing drinks to hearty mains and delightful desserts, these recipes are designed to help you make the most of the peak-season produce. Whether you’re hosting a lively backyard BBQ, planning a quiet picnic, or simply looking for new ways to enjoy those freshly picked berries, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Discover my favorite June seasonal recipes below, each designed to highlight the incredible flavors of the month. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post for a handy graphic to save, ensuring you always know what’s in season!
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant summer staple that never fails to impress. Featuring juicy, peak-season tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, delicate slivers of red onion, and an abundance of fresh herbs, it’s all tossed in a simple yet zesty lemon vinaigrette. This dressing allows the natural, seasonal flavors of the produce to truly shine, making it an ideal side dish for any warm-weather gathering.
Caprese Empanadas
Caprese Empanadas offer a delightful fusion of flaky, buttery pastry and the fresh, melty flavors of a classic Caprese salad, showcasing peak-season tomatoes and basil. These savory pockets are light enough for a summer lunch, fun enough for an appetizer spread, and boast a bold flavor profile that will surely be a highlight at your next gathering. Pair them with a chilled cocktail and a selection of dipping sauces for an unforgettable experience.
Blueberry Milkshake
Indulge in a creamy, refreshing Blueberry Milkshake, a perfect way to enjoy peak-season blueberries. This delightful drink is made with fresh blueberries, wholesome milk, and just a touch of sweetness, blending together for a smooth and satisfying treat. It’s an ideal beverage for any time of the day, offering a burst of fruity flavor that celebrates summer’s harvest.
Southwest Chicken Salad
This Southwest Chicken Salad is a truly fresh, vibrant, and incredibly filling meal that comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy summer days. Brimming with lean protein, colorful seasonal veggies like bell peppers and corn, and infused with smoky southwestern flair, this recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners, efficient meal prep, or even a robust and satisfying lunch. Enjoy the fresh tastes of summer with every bite.
Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
This Vodka Strawberry Lemonade is a wonderfully fresh and fruity concoction, with just the right hint of spirits to help you fully savor those languid summer afternoons. Crafted with vibrant, peak-season strawberries and zesty lemons, this glass of sunshine is bursting with natural, fruity flavor. Forget about pre-made mixes – creating it from scratch offers a superior, more authentic taste that truly embodies summer.
Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa
Grilled Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa offers a spicy, bright, and tangy twist on your favorite grilled meat, perfectly timed for summer. The robust heat and savory flavors of the perfectly grilled steak are beautifully complemented by the refreshing and zesty avocado salsa. This combination is fantastic served on its own, making for a delicious summer dinner, or can be transformed into incredible tacos.
Blueberry Simple Syrup
This homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup infuses a vibrant burst of berry flavor into a variety of beverages and dishes. It’s an absolute summer staple that requires just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it incredibly easy to prepare. Drizzle it into cocktails, mocktails, refreshing lemonades, or even over pancakes and waffles for an elevated taste experience – you’ll want to put it on everything!
Triple Berry Cheesecake
Triple Berry Cheesecake is truly THE quintessential dessert of the summer season! This exquisite treat features a creamy, light, and subtly lemony cheesecake base, generously topped with a vibrant triple berry puree made from fresh, in-season fruits. It’s then beautifully adorned with an abundance of whole fresh berries, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. An added bonus: it can be prepared ahead of time, making entertaining a breeze!
Blackberry Thyme Gin And Tonic
Elevate your cocktail hour with a Blackberry Thyme Gin And Tonic, a delightful fruity and herbaceous twist on the timeless gin classic. This simple recipe, featuring a homemade thyme simple syrup and fresh, ripe blackberries, is perfectly suited for savoring on warm summer evenings. Cheers to a refreshing and sophisticated drink, my friends!
Steak Fajita Foil Packets
Steak Fajita Foil Packets offer a complete and flavorful meal, all conveniently contained within individual packets – perfect for hassle-free grilling. Simply marinate your choice of meat, then wrap it up with an assortment of vibrant, sliced seasonal vegetables in sturdy foil. Toss these packets onto the grill or even over a campfire for an easy, delicious dinner. Each person can customize their fajita with favorite toppings and enjoy it wrapped in warm flour tortillas.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream delivers a dreamy, creamy texture with a delightful hint of tang, packed with fresh, ripe strawberries and crunchy graham cracker pieces. This homemade treat transforms your favorite cheesecake experience into a refreshing ice cream form, perfect for cooling down on a warm June day. It’s a delicious way to enjoy seasonal strawberries in a truly indulgent dessert.
Mango Mojito Mocktail
This Mango Mojito Mocktail is a wonderfully tangy, bright, and incredibly simple-to-make beverage. Crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients like ripe mango and mint, it stands out as the ultimate non-alcoholic summer refresher. Perfect for those seeking a vibrant, flavorful drink without any spirits, it’s a delightful way to beat the summer heat and enjoy tropical tastes.
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich experience this week with a gourmet Balsamic Grilled Vegetables Grilled Cheese Sandwich! Fresh, seasonal vegetables are gently kissed by the grill, imbuing them with a delightful smoky flavor. These tender veggies are then piled generously onto your favorite bread, layered with savory cheddar cheese, and drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction. The gooey, smoky, and tangy flavors combine for pure deliciousness.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita
A Spicy Watermelon Margarita is the quintessential summer refreshment, perfect for happy hour gatherings! Crafted with sweet, fresh watermelon and a subtle kick of jalapeño for a touch of heat, this invigorating cocktail is so delicious, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one. This recipe is also easily scalable, allowing you to whip up anywhere from a single serving to a batch of eight cocktails for a crowd.
Miso Glazed Sriracha Burgers with Asian Cucumber Pickles
These Miso Glazed Sriracha Burgers with Asian Cucumber Pickles offer a gourmet twist on the classic beefy sandwich. The grilled patties are infused with spicy sriracha and a rich miso glaze, perfectly balancing savory umami with a kick of heat. Paired with refreshing, tangy Asian cucumber pickles, this is a truly sensational burger experience that’s sure to become a new favorite for your summer grilling rotation.
White Sangria
If you’re planning a lively summer party or need a versatile drink that can be prepared in advance and complements any meal, this White Sangria is the perfect choice. Easy to customize with a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits and beautifully adaptable, it’s a refreshing beverage you’ll find yourself making again and again throughout the warmer months. Its light and fruity profile is simply irresistible.
Raspberry Blueberry And Strawberry Galette
A Raspberry Blueberry and Strawberry Galette is the epitome of a rustic, patriotic dessert, making it ideal for summer celebrations. This simple, homemade pie crust encases a delightful filling of fresh, mixed berries, perfectly showcasing June’s abundant harvest. It’s an exquisite treat that’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, delivering a triple berry threat of flavor and freshness.
Sparkling Blackberry Vodka Lemonade
Sparkling Blackberry Vodka Lemonade is a fantastic big-batch cocktail recipe, making it an ideal choice for any summer gathering. Its fresh, tart, and effervescent flavor is the perfect thirst-quencher for your next patio party or BBQ. This easy pitcher cocktail is designed to serve a crowd, ensuring everyone can enjoy its delightful fruity and zesty notes.
Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken
Grilled Caprese Avocado Chicken offers a healthy and incredibly fresh summer rendition of the beloved Caprese flavor combination. Drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction, this easy recipe is perfectly suited for your weeknight dinner rotation, or as an impressive dish for your next summer patio party. It elegantly combines the creaminess of avocado with the vibrant taste of seasonal tomatoes and basil.
Coconut Mango Lassi
A Coconut Mango Lassi offers a refreshingly exotic way to savor the taste of the tropics this summer! Made with luscious fresh mango and invigorating coconut water (straight from a young coconut for authentic flavor), this delightful drink is a vibrant refresher perfect for all ages. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched island paradise.
Mojo Steak Salad With Grilled Corn
This Mojo Steak Salad with Grilled Corn marries the zesty, citrus-infused flavors of Mojo marinade directly into both the steak and the vibrant salad, creating the ultimate summery dish. The exquisitely marinated beef sings atop a bed of fresh spring greens, while the addition of perfectly grilled, sweet corn provides an irresistible pop of seasonal deliciousness. It’s a truly harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect meal for a warm June evening.
Chunky Salsa
This homemade Chunky Salsa is absolutely perfect for serving at parties and gatherings of all sizes, or simply as a casual weeknight snack. There’s truly nothing that can rival the vibrant, fresh flavor of salsa made from scratch, especially when using peak-season tomatoes and peppers – so skip the store-bought versions this summer! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the longer you allow it to sit, the more its delicious flavors meld and intensify.
Lemon Basil Cooler Cocktail
A Lemon Basil Cooler cocktail is the quintessential refreshing blend of zesty lemon and aromatic fresh basil, perfect for warm weather. Crafted with an easy homemade basil simple syrup, this summery sipper boasts bright, tangy citrus notes beautifully complemented by a delicate herbaceous flavor. Served over ice, this bubbly lemon basil cocktail strikes the ideal balance for any casual get-together or elegant patio party, highlighting fresh June ingredients.
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser and always a favorite for patio parties and backyard BBQs! The refreshing and light lemon dressing, combined with succulent fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil—both perfectly in season—creates the ultimate summery combination of flavors. This dish is fantastic because you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully over time.
BBQ Glazed Grilled Bratwurst with Spicy Peach Bacon Salsa
This BBQ Glazed Grilled Bratwurst with Spicy Peach Bacon Salsa is a straightforward recipe bursting with bold, summery flavors, perfect for celebrating the height of the season. The perfectly grilled brats are coated in a sweet and savory BBQ glaze, creating an irresistible char. This rich flavor is perfectly contrasted by the smoky, spicy, and wonderfully fruity salsa, made with fresh peaches, making for an unforgettable meal.
Strawberry Gin Smash Cocktail
A refreshing Strawberry Gin Smash cocktail is the quintessential summery drink to celebrate with! This delightful concoction is a harmonious blend of juicy, ripe strawberries, fragrant floral gin, and a lively splash of citrus, coming together to create a tantalizing and vibrant beverage. Perfectly balanced and bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor, this cocktail offers a fruity and invigorating twist on a classic favorite, ideal for any June occasion.
Blackberry Lemon Icebox Cake
Blackberry Lemon Icebox Cake is an effortless, no-bake frozen dessert that promises to cool you down with a delightful fruity zing! This irresistible treat features luscious layers of creamy lemon, crisp graham crackers, tangy lemon curd, and a quick homemade blackberry lemon jam crafted with fresh, seasonal berries. It’s a refreshing indulgence that comes together in no time, making it far superior to any store-bought alternative and perfect for summer.
Tropical Guacamole
Tropical Guacamole is your passport to an island escape, offering a vibrant taste of paradise without the expensive plane ticket. This unique dip masterfully combines the creamy richness of avocado with a delightful mix of sweet and savory notes from pineapple, papaya, mango, and a hint of coconut. It’s an ideal snack for summer gatherings or serves as a fantastic, flavorful topping for grilled chicken and carnitas tacos, adding an unexpected fruity dimension.
Cherry Bourbon Sour
A Cherry Bourbon Sour is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make cocktail, boasting a delightful balance of tartness with a touch of fruity sweetness from fresh, seasonal cherries. This vibrant drink is perfect for summer evenings, offering a refreshing and intriguing flavor profile that will impress your guests without requiring complex bartending skills. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the rich notes of bourbon alongside bright, seasonal fruit.
Need more inspiration for summer cooking/baking? Check out my summer recipes page!
What’s in Season in June: A Quick Reference
This June produce guide serves as your essential companion for navigating the season’s freshest ingredients. By choosing fruits and vegetables that are at their peak, you’re not only enhancing the flavor and nutritional value of your meals but also supporting sustainable practices and local economies. As we transition deeper into the warmer months, remember that fresh, seasonal produce is the cornerstone of delicious and healthy summer eating. Be sure to prepare for the months ahead with my comprehensive produce guides, including what’s in season in July and beyond!