If you are looking for fresh, locally-sourced fruit in Texas, then you are in luck! Right now is an ideal time to enjoy a wide variety of seasonal fruit grown in the Lone Star State. From citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, to popular favorites like peaches, plums and watermelons, there is no shortage of delicious and nutritious options available. With a little bit of research, you can find out which types of fruit are currently in season and where to get them. So if you’re looking for something sweet and juicy right now in Texas, we’ve got you covered!Right now, the fruits that are in season in Texas include oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe, watermelon, pears and apples.
Popular Texas Fruits That Are In Season
Texas is home to a wide variety of fruits that are in season during different times of the year. During the spring and summer months, some of the most popular fruits found in Texas include strawberries, watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, plums, apricots and blackberries. In the fall, apples, persimmons and pears are available. And during the winter months, oranges and grapefruits are readily available.
Texas strawberries are some of the sweetest in all of the United States. They can be found throughout central and eastern Texas from April through June. Watermelons can be found as early as May in some areas and remain plentiful through September. Cantaloupes are also plentiful during this same time period.
Peaches can be found throughout most of Central and East Texas from May through August. Plums are available in West Texas from July through August while apricots can be found throughout Central and West Texas from July to September. Blackberries ripen between May and August depending on where you live in Texas.
During the fall months apples are plentiful throughout much of North Central and East Texas from October through November while persimmons can be found throughout North Central Texas during late October or early November. Pears will usually ripen around October or November as well depending on where you live in Texas.
Oranges can be found throughout South Central Texas from December to March while grapefruits ripen between December to April depending on where you live in the state. These two popular fruits make up a large portion of what is grown on ranches throughout South Central Texas each year.
All these delicious fruits make up a large part of what makes living in this great state so enjoyable! From strawberries to oranges there is something for everyone to enjoy each season!
Where To Find Locally-Grown Fruits In Texas
Texas is home to a wide variety of locally-grown fruits throughout the year. From oranges and grapefruits in the winter to melons and peaches in the summer, there are plenty of delicious options for any season. Here are some of the best places to find locally-grown fruits in Texas:
Farmer’s Markets: Farmer’s markets are a great place to find locally-grown fruits in Texas. Many cities have multiple markets throughout the year, so it’s easy to find a market near you. You’ll be able to browse through a variety of different vendors, offering everything from apples and oranges to peaches and strawberries. Plus, you’ll get the added benefit of supporting local farmers.
U-Pick Farms: U-pick farms are another great option for finding locally grown fruits in Texas. These farms allow you to pick your own fruit right off the tree or vine, ensuring that you get only the freshest produce available. Many u-pick farms also offer other activities such as hayrides, petting zoos, and more, making them a great destination for a family day out.
Local Grocery Stores: Local grocery stores often carry locally grown fruits as well. Many times these stores will have dedicated sections for locally grown produce or even special deals on certain fruits throughout the year. It’s worth checking out your local store’s offerings if you’re looking for fresh, local produce.
Online Sources: Finally, there are plenty of online sources that offer locally grown fruit delivery directly to your door. Sites like LocalHarvest and Farm Fresh To You make it easy to browse through different farms and choose which fruits you’d like delivered each week or month. This is a great way to support local farmers while still enjoying freshly picked fruit all year round!
What To Look For When Buying In-Season Fruits
Buying fruits in season is a great way to get the freshest and most flavorful produce. Knowing what to look for when buying in-season fruits can help you get the best quality produce for your money. Here are some tips on what to look for when selecting seasonal fruits:
Look for freshness – The fresher the fruit, the better it will taste. Look for bright colors, smooth skin, and lack of blemishes or bruises on the fruit. Avoid any that look wilted or have brown spots or discoloration.
Smell it – In-season fruits should have a pleasant smell. If you don’t smell anything, or it smells sour or musty, move on to another selection.
Check ripeness – You can tell if a fruit is ripe by gently pressing on it with your thumb. If it gives slightly but still retains its shape, then it’s ripe and ready to eat. Unripe fruits may taste sour or be hard and crunchy.
Feel the weight – Heavier fruits usually indicate a higher water content and juiciness than lighter ones, so pick those if you’re looking for flavor and texture.
Choose wisely – Not all in-season fruits are created equal; some may be too ripe or too soft, while others may be overly firm or not quite ripe yet. Choose wisely according to your preference and use them quickly since they won’t stay fresh as long as those that were picked earlier in the season.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re getting the best quality in-season fruit available each time you shop!
Best Times Of The Year To Buy Fresh Fruits In Texas
Texas is a great place to buy fresh fruits, with several growing seasons throughout the year. While the state does have a mild climate, there are certain times of the year when certain fruits are in season and can be purchased at their peak flavor. Here is a look at some of the best times of the year to buy fresh fruits in Texas.
Spring:
In the spring, there are several different types of fruits that are available. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are all in season at this time of year. Peaches and apricots can also be found during this season. These fruits tend to have a sweeter taste in the spring, so they make for excellent snacks and pies.
Summer:
During the summer months, peaches become much more plentiful in Texas. Watermelon is also widely available at this time of year, as well as cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Grapes and plums begin to show up in many stores as well, providing plenty of options for those looking to enjoy some juicy summer fruit.
Fall:
As fall arrives in Texas, apples become one of the most popular types of fruit available. Apples come in many varieties including Red Delicious, Granny Smiths, Gala and Honeycrisp apples that all have their own unique taste and texture. There are also numerous kinds of pears that you can find during this season such as Bosc and Anjou pears that make for a great snack or an addition to your favorite recipe.
Winter:
During winter months in Texas you can still find plenty of fresh fruit options including oranges, grapefruits and tangerines which all have their own unique sweet flavor. Citrus fruits are especially plentiful during this time as they ripen on trees throughout the state. Mandarins are also a popular choice for those hoping to add some sweetness to their winter meals or snacks.
Overall, no matter what time of year it is in Texas there will always be an abundance of fresh fruits available for purchase throughout the state’s different regions and climates. By taking advantage of seasonal fruits you can ensure that you always get access to flavorful produce that has been harvested at its peak quality level!
The Benefits of Eating Locally-Grown Fruits
Eating locally-grown fruits is an excellent way to enjoy the freshest produce available. Not only does it offer superior flavor and nutrition, but it also helps support local farmers and the local economy. Here are some of the top benefits of eating locally-grown fruits:
1. Fresher Tasting Produce: Local produce is picked at its peak ripeness, ensuring that it offers maximum flavor and nutrition. Fruits and vegetables that have been shipped from distant locations may have been picked before they were ripe, resulting in a less flavorful product.
2. Supports Local Farmers: Buying locally-grown fruits supports small farms in your area and helps keep them in business. This helps ensure that you have access to fresh, locally grown produce in the future.
3. Reduces Environmental Impact: Shipping food long distances requires a lot of energy, which has a negative environmental impact. Eating locally-grown fruits reduces this impact by reducing the need for long-distance transportation of food products.
4. Preserves Local Biodiversity: By eating locally-grown fruits, you can help preserve local varieties of produce that may not be found elsewhere. This helps ensure that these unique varieties don’t become extinct due to lack of demand or supply chain issues.
5. Enhances Nutrition: Locally grown produce is typically more nutrient dense than produce sourced from far away places due to its shorter shelf life and fresher state when harvested and consumed shortly thereafter.
Overall, eating locally-grown fruits is a great way to get high-quality fresh produce while also supporting local farmers and reducing environmental impact. It’s an easy way to make a positive difference in your community!
Different Types Of Fruits That Grow Well In Texas
Texas is a diverse state with different weather patterns and soil types that can support a variety of fruits. From apples and pears to peaches and grapes, there are many kinds of fruit that can do well in Texas. Here are some of the most popular types of fruit that grow well in the Lone Star State.
Apples
Apples are one of the most popular fruits grown in Texas. There are several varieties of apples that can thrive in the state, including Gala, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp. Apples require slightly acidic soil with good drainage and plenty of sun to be successful.
Peaches
Peaches are another popular fruit grown in Texas. The most popular variety is the Elberta peach, which is a freestone peach with yellow flesh and a sweet flavor. Peaches prefer soils with good drainage and need plenty of sun to produce a good crop.
Pears
Pears are another type of fruit that grows well in Texas. Bartlett pears are the most popular variety grown in the state, as they produce sweet, juicy fruits with yellow flesh. Pears require slightly acidic soil with good drainage and plenty of sun for optimal growth.
Grapes
Grapes are another type of fruit that can do well in Texas. The state has many vineyards producing wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and other varieties. Grapes need rich soils with good drainage to be successful. They also need plenty of sun to develop their sweet flavors.
Berries
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, melons, and more can also be grown successfully in Texas. Berries prefer slightly acidic soils with good drainage and plenty of sun for optimal growth. Berries tend to be seasonal crops so it’s important to plan ahead when planting them so you’ll have a plentiful harvest when they come into season.
There are many different types of fruits that grow well in Texas due to its diverse climate and soil conditions. Apples, peaches, pears, grapes and berries all thrive in the Lone Star State if given proper care and attention during their growing season
How To Store And Preserve In-Season Fruits
Storing and preserving in-season fruits is an economical way to enjoy their natural sweetness and flavor all year round. With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can save money and ensure that you always have fresh fruit available. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve in-season fruits:
Choose the Right Variety
When selecting in-season fruits, choose varieties that are known for storing well. For example, apples such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Fuji are great choices for storing, while strawberries and peaches do not store as well. Make sure the fruit is ripe but not overripe before storing.
Keep Them Cool
Fruits should be stored at cool temperatures in order to retain their flavor and texture. The ideal temperature for most fruits is between 32°F and 45°F. Avoid storing the fruits near heat sources like stoves or radiators as this could cause them to spoil quickly.
Store Properly
Store the fruits in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If possible, store them in a crisper drawer set to the lowest humidity setting. If you’re using plastic bags or containers, make sure to punch a few holes for ventilation. This will help keep the air circulating.
Wash Before Storing
Make sure to wash all of your fruits before storing them away. Any dirt or debris left on the surface could speed up the spoilage rate once it’s stored away. Use cold water and a soft brush or cloth to wash off any dirt without damaging the skin of the fruit.
Preserve with Sugar or Syrup
If you want to enjoy your in-season fruit throughout other seasons as well, consider preserving them with sugar or syrup. This will help slow down spoilage by preventing bacteria growth on the surface of the fruit. To do this, simply pack your washed fruit into airtight containers with sugar or syrup before storing away.
By following these simple tips on how to store and preserve in-season fruit can help you enjoy their natural sweetness all year round!
Conclusion
Texas has a wide variety of seasonal fruit available throughout the year. In the spring, strawberries, blueberries, and oranges are abundant. In the summer, peaches, tomatoes, and watermelons are in season. In the fall, apples, pears, and figs are popular choices. And in the wintertime, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are readily available.
No matter what time of year it is in Texas, there is always some type of fruit that is in season and available for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or tart, there’s something for everyone to appreciate. So go ahead and explore all that Texas has to offer when it comes to seasonal fruit!
