Texas is well-known for its abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits. Right now, there are many types of fruit that are in season in Texas. This includes a variety of citrus fruits, melons, and stone fruits. With such a wide selection, you can find something delicious to enjoy no matter what the season. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and juicy or a tart and tangy treat, you’re sure to find the perfect fruit for your needs. So don’t wait – explore all the amazing fruits that Texas has to offer this season!Right now, in season fruits in Texas include apples, oranges, pears, grapefruits, kiwis, and lemons.
Popular Fruits Grown in Texas
Texas is one of the leading producers of fruit in the United States, and many of its orchards feature a wide variety of fruits that are popular with consumers. Oranges, grapefruits, and peaches are some of the most popular fruits grown in Texas. Oranges are grown in the Gulf Coast region, where they have a long growing season and warm climate that allows them to develop their sweet flavor. Grapefruits are also grown in this region and have become an especially popular food choice for Texans due to their tart flavor and health benefits. Peaches are popular in Central Texas, where they can be found in abundance during the summer months. Other fruits that can be found throughout the state include apples, pears, plums, cherries, figs, and apricots. All of these fruits can be enjoyed fresh or made into jams and preserves for year-round enjoyment.
In addition to these traditional favorites, there has been a recent surge in popularity for exotic fruits like kiwis, persimmons, pomegranates, guavas and lychees. These unique fruits can often be found at local farmers markets or specialty grocers. With so many different types of fruit available to Texans year-round it’s no wonder why this state is known for its delicious produce!
When To Expect Different Fruits In Season in Texas
Texas is known for its abundant produce, and knowing when different fruits come into season can help you find the freshest, ripest options for your meals. From late spring to early fall, you can find a variety of fruits in season in Texas.
May-June: Strawberries and Peaches
Strawberries and peaches are two of the earliest fruits to come into season in Texas. Strawberries begin to be harvested as early as late April or early May, and usually have a peak season that lasts through June. Peaches are next to come in during late May and June.
July-August: Watermelons and Cantaloupes
Watermelons and cantaloupes become available during July and August, making them perfect for summertime barbecues or salads. Watermelon season typically starts around mid-July and lasts until September, while cantaloupe season begins a bit earlier around mid-June or early July.
September-October: Apples and Grapes
Once summer has passed, it’s time for apples! Apples typically begin ripening around September with the harvest running through October. Grapes are also available during this time frame, typically beginning at the end of August or beginning of September.
November-December: Oranges and Pears
As winter approaches, oranges start to come into season around November, with peak harvest occurring throughout December. Pears are also available during this time frame with peak harvest happening around Thanksgiving. Both oranges and pears make great additions to holiday meals or desserts.
How To Identify Fruits That Are In Season
Eating seasonally is the best way to enjoy the freshest and most flavorful fruits and vegetables. But how do you know which fruits are in season? Here are a few tips to help you identify when different fruits are in season.
One way to identify which fruits are in season is to look for local produce at your local farmers market or grocery store. If you’re lucky enough to live near a farmers market, talk to the vendors to find out what’s in season. Farmers markets typically feature fresh, local produce that is harvested at its peak ripeness, so you can be sure that it’s in season.
Another way to identify when certain fruits are in season is by researching online or asking someone from the community who may know about certain seasonal fruits. Many websites list what fruits are in season each month, so you can easily find out what’s currently available. You can also ask your friends and family who may be familiar with seasonal produce for their insights.
Finally, pay attention to the price of certain fruits and vegetables at your local grocery store or farmers market. Typically, when a fruit or vegetable is in peak season, it will have a lower price than other times of the year. This is because there is an abundance of the product available, so prices stay low until demand increases and supply decreases as the seasons change.
By following these tips, you can easily identify which fruits are currently in season and enjoy them while they’re at their freshest and most flavorful!
The Benefits of Eating Locally Grown Fruits
Eating locally grown fruits is one of the most beneficial and nutritious ways to get your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. Local fruits are fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than those that are imported from other countries. In addition to being more nutritious, local fruits can also help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing transportation costs and emissions. Here are some other benefits of eating locally grown fruits:
1. Local Fruits Are Fresher – Because local fruits are harvested close to home, they don’t have to travel very far before they reach your plate. This means they’re fresher and tastier than those that have been shipped from long distances away. Additionally, local farmers often pick their fruit at the peak of ripeness so you can enjoy the best flavor.
2. Local Fruits Are More Nutritious – Because local fruits are picked at their peak ripeness, they retain more vitamins and minerals than those that are picked early and ripened in transit or on store shelves. This makes them a healthier choice for you and your family.
3. Local Fruits Support Your Community – Buying local helps support the local economy by keeping money in your community rather than sending it out of state or overseas. It also helps support small family-run farms which provide additional jobs to the area.
4. Local Fruits Help Reduce Your Carbon Footprint – By reducing transportation costs and emissions associated with shipping fruits from far away places, you can help reduce your carbon footprint on the environment which is good for us all.
Eating locally grown fruits is an easy way to get more nutrition into your diet while also helping to support your community and reduce your environmental impact. So make sure to choose local when shopping for fresh produce!
The Best Places To Buy Local Fruits In Texas
Texas is a great place to get fresh local fruits. There are many different places to buy fresh, locally-grown fruits in Texas. Whether you’re looking for organic produce, heirloom varieties, or just something new and unique, you can find it in Texas. From farmers markets to roadside stands and even online retailers, there are plenty of options for buying the freshest local fruits in Texas. Here are some of the best places to buy local fruits in Texas:
Farmers Markets: Farmers markets are a great way to get fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers at a great price. Many farmers markets in Texas offer organically grown produce as well as heirloom varieties that can’t be found in supermarkets. You can also find unique items like honey, jams, pickles, and more.
Roadside Stands: You can often find roadside stands selling locally grown produce along the side of highways or rural roads throughout the state of Texas. These stands typically sell seasonal fruit that has been picked at its peak ripeness and is usually much cheaper than what you would find in the grocery store.
Online Retailers: An increasing number of local farms are now offering their products online through websites like LocalHarvest or FarmFreshToYou. These websites allow you to purchase fresh produce directly from farms near your area without ever having to leave your home.
Grocery Stores: While grocery stores often carry some locally grown produce, they typically focus on large-scale commercial growers rather than small family farms. However, many grocery stores now feature locally sourced items such as honey, jams, eggs, and other specialty items that are produced close by.
No matter where you live in Texas, there is sure to be a place nearby where you can purchase fresh local fruits at an affordable price. So next time you’re looking for something sweet or juicy to eat, consider buying some delicious local fruits from one of these sources!
How To Preserve Fruits That Are In Season
Preserving fruits in season is an economical way to enjoy seasonal produce all year round. There are several methods of preserving fruits that can be used to maintain the flavor and texture for an extended period of time. Canning, freezing, and drying are some of the most popular methods for preserving fruits in season.
Canning
Canning is a process of preserving food in airtight jars. It involves heating the fruit and packing it into sterilized jars along with syrup or water. The jars are then sealed and heated in a boiling water bath, which kills bacteria and seals the lid. This process preserves the fruit for up to a year if done correctly.
Freezing
Freezing is another popular method for preserving in-season fruits. Fruits can be frozen whole, diced, or pureed before being stored in airtight containers or freezer bags. This method allows the fruit to remain fresh and flavorful for up to one year if stored properly.
Drying
Drying is a traditional way of preserving food that has been used for centuries. Fruits can be dried by hanging them in well-ventilated area or by using a food dehydrator. This method helps preserve the flavor and texture of the fruit while extending its shelf life up to two years if stored properly.
Texas-Inspired Fruit Recipes
Texas is home to an abundance of delicious in-season fruits and there are so many different ways to enjoy them. From sweet pies to savory salads, these Texas-inspired recipes will help you get the most out of the seasonal bounty.
Grilled Peach and Avocado Salad
This summery salad combines sweet grilled peaches with creamy avocado, topped with a flavorful honey-lime dressing. It’s a light and refreshing dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or fish. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Cut your peaches in half and remove the pits, then brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through until lightly charred. To make the dressing, whisk together honey, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Arrange the grilled peaches and avocado slices on a plate or platter and drizzle with the honey-lime dressing before serving.
Baked Apple Pie with Pecan Crumble
This classic apple pie recipe is taken up a notch with a crunchy pecan crumble topping that adds texture and flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Peel and core your apples, then cut into 1/4 inch slices. In a bowl combine apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt until evenly coated. Arrange apples in an unbaked 9-inch pie crust then sprinkle evenly with pecan crumble topping (for this you’ll need butter, flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans). Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbling underneath.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
This summery fruit crisp is the perfect way to highlight sweet strawberries combined with tart rhubarb. Preheat your oven to 375ºF then combine sliced strawberries and rhubarb in an 8×8 inch baking dish; set aside. In another bowl mix together oats (quick cooking), flour (all purpose), brown sugar (light), ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon), nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon) melted butter (1 stick) until crumbly; spread over top of fruit mixture in baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown on top; let cool before serving.
These are just a few of the many delicious recipes you can make using Texas’s seasonal fruits — so get cooking!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Texas has a great variety of seasonal fruits that can be found depending on the time of year. During spring and summer, melons, citrus fruits, berries, and stone fruits are in season. In the fall, apples and pears are in season. Lastly, winter yields citrus fruits and some stone fruits. Even though some of these fruits may not originate from Texas, they still have a place on local store shelves. With the abundance of seasonal fruit in Texas, it is easy to enjoy fresh fruit all year round.
No matter what time of year it is in Texas, there is always something delicious to find at local markets and stores. Eating seasonally supports local farmers and helps reduce environmental impact by reducing transportation costs. So the next time you are grocery shopping in Texas, take a look around for what’s in season!
