Missouri Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in July
Your Fresh Picks Guide
This Article is Part of our Missouri Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
In July, Missouri basks in the peak of summer, offering a rich bounty of fresh, seasonal produce. This period marks an ideal time for consumers and chefs alike to take advantage of the full flavors of locally grown fruits (What wine goes well with fruit?) and vegetables. Farmers' markets and grocery store aisles across the state become vibrant with the colors and scents of ripe produce, reflecting the agricultural diversity that Missouri's climate and soil provide.
Among the fruits that come into season, July heralds the harvest of sweet blackberries (how long do blackberries last?) and blueberries (how long do blueberries last?), juicy cantaloupes (how long does cantaloupe last?), and a variety of berries and stone fruits. The warm Missouri weather allows for these fruits to develop their maximum sweetness and vibrant flavors, making them perfect for summer salads, desserts, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Vegetable gardens and farms across the state are also teeming with produce. Fresh cucumbers (how long do cucumbers last?), eggplants (What wine goes well with eggplant?), herbs, peppers, potatoes, squash, and tomatoes are just a few of the vegetables that reach their peak in July. These vegetables not only contribute to the nutritious profile of summer meals but also add a splash of color to any dish, ensuring that plates are as aesthetically pleasing as they are flavorful.
Seasonal Overview
July in Missouri marks the mid-point of a vibrant growing season, with a plethora of fruits and vegetables reaching their peak ripeness. This month is integral for local harvests and offers a bountiful selection for consumers looking towards seasonal eating.
Understanding Missouri's Growing Season
Missouri's climate and fertile soil facilitate a diverse agricultural output, particularly in the summer season. July, situated squarely in the summer months, is especially rich in produce variety due to the warm and conducive growing conditions that span across the state. During this time, one can expect to find:
Fruits: Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, nectarines, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Vegetables: Beans, cucumbers, eggplant (What wine goes well with eggplant?), herbs, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, summer squash, and more.
These crops represent just a portion of what is 'in season' during this period.
Benefits of Seasonal Eating
Eating seasonally in July offers multiple benefits. It ensures that consumers are getting produce that is at its peak in both flavor and nutritional value. Additionally, seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more affordable and sustainable, as they require less transportation and storage than out-of-season alternatives. Some key advantages include:
Enhanced taste and freshness of produce
Higher nutritional content due to reduced time from farm to table
Economic support of local farmers and communities
Reduced environmental footprint because of decreased shipping distances and storage needs
Indulging in July's seasonal produce thereby supports both personal health and Missouri's agricultural community.
Fruit Harvest in July
July in Missouri is a prime time for fruit harvest, where the warmth of summer ensures a bounty of sweet, ripe produce. Berries reach their peak, stone fruits brim with juice, and a variety of melons await slicing.
Berries Galore
Missouri's berry harvest reaches its zenith in July. Blackberries are plentiful, perfect for making rich, dark jams or enjoyed fresh. Blueberries are also at their peak, ideal for baking or as a nutritious snack. Though lesser abundant, raspberries offer their unique tartness to the summer palette, suitable for compotes or garnishing desserts.
Blackberries: June 1 - Early September
Blueberries: June 1 - Early October
Raspberries: Harvest typically includes July, but varies by local climate
Stone Fruit Varieties
The stone fruit season is in full swing with peaches being a highlight. Their quality and flavor are enhanced by the abundant sunshine, making them a much-anticipated treat. Peaches during this time are often at their juiciest and can be eaten fresh, baked in pies, or preserved for later enjoyment.
Peaches: Harvest often includes July, check local listings for peak timings
Melons and More
The fragrance and sweetness of melons signify their readiness, and in Missouri, both watermelon and cantaloupe are prime for picking. Watermelons, with their refreshing juice, are a staple for summertime refreshment. Cantaloupes, known for their softer texture and hint of honey-like taste, are equally ripe and enrich the fruit offerings of the season.
Watermelon: June 1 - September
Cantaloupe: June 1 - November 1
These fruits, harvested under the July sun, are not only a treat to the taste buds but also contribute to the seasonal economy, supporting local farmers and markets.
Vegetable Picks for July
July in Missouri brings a bounty of vegetables ripe for the picking. Shoppers and gardeners can look forward to an array of leafy greens, robust root vegetables, and the beginning harvests of nightshades and gourds.
Leafy Greens and Herbs
Missouri’s July vegetable lineup sees a variety of leafy greens flourishing in the summer heat. Shoppers can find vibrant Swiss chard, a versatile green perfect for sautés and salads. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint are in abundance, ideal for homemade pesto and adding a burst of flavor to dishes.
Swiss Chard: May through September
Basil: Peak season in July
Cilantro: June through September
Parsley: Readily available in July
Mint: Fresh and aromatic in July
Root Vegetables and Tubers
The root vegetables and tubers present in July’s harvest are both hardy and flavorful. Gardeners can be confident in digging up potatoes, which thrive in summer’s warmth. These root vegetables are versatile for a wide range of culinary uses, from grilling to roasting.
Potatoes: Harvest peaks in July.
Nightshades and Gourds
July sees the nightshade family of vegetables come into season, with tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers reaching their prime. They are a staple for garden-fresh salads, grilled dishes (What wine goes well with grilled dishes?), or rich stews. Also, various types of squash begin to make their appearance, offering a preview of the gourds to come in later months.
Tomatoes: Start ripening in July.
Eggplant: Available from July.
Peppers: Varied types ripen in July.
Squash: Early varieties come in mid-July.
This selection represents the freshest options available to consumers and growers in Missouri during the month of July.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
In July, Missouri's farms are teeming with ripe fruits and vegetables, but the key to enjoying this bounty is knowing when to harvest and how to store the produce. Timely picking and correct preservation methods ensure the freshest taste and longest shelf-life.
Picking at Peak Ripeness
One should harvest fruits like apples when they are firm to touch and have a full color. Vegetables such as beets (how long do beets last?) and arugula reach their peak quality when they are vibrant in color and tender. A moderate freeze, with temperatures from 24 to 28 degrees F, can seriously damage the quality of produce, so it is imperative to pick them before such events.
Apples: July through October – Pick when the color is full and they come off the branch easily.
Arugula: May through September – Harvest when leaves are young and tender for best flavor.
Proper Storage Methods
Proper storage is critical for maintaining quality after harvest. For cold, moist storage, maintain temperatures between 32 to 40 degrees F and a relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent for root crops like beets.
Root Crops (e.g., Beets): Store in cool, humid conditions to prevent wilting.
Leafy Greens: Refrigerate immediately to maintain freshness.
Preservation Techniques
Preservation extends the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. Freezing is an effective method for many harvested crops, while others can be transformed into pickles or salsa. Canning is an excellent way to preserve quality, especially when dealing with a bountiful harvest that cannot be consumed immediately.
Freezing: Suitable for most fruits and some vegetables; blanching prior to freezing can preserve texture.
Canning: Ideal for salsas, sauces, and pickles; follow safe canning practices to prevent spoilage.
Missouri Farms and Agriculture
Missouri's farms play a crucial role in the state's economy, especially during the peak summer season. They offer a diverse range of fresh produce, with July marking a time of abundant crop availability.
Local Farm Markets
Farmers' markets across Missouri become vibrant hubs in July, showcasing the best of the local harvest. Consumers can expect to find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, with summer staples such as tomatoes, peaches, and cucumbers commonly available. These markets not only provide access to fresh, seasonal produce but also support the local farms and economy.
Tomatoes: Available from June through September
Peaches: Best from June to October
Cucumbers: July through mid-October
Organic and Sustainable Practices
Sustainability and organic farming have taken firm roots in the state, with an increasing number of Missouri farms employing these practices. These farms focus on maintaining soil health, conserving water, and reducing the overall environmental impact of agriculture. Consumers who value organic produce can find an array of options, particularly in the summer season, when crop availability is high. Organic staples include:
Berries: A highlight in early summer
Leafy Greens: Consistently available throughout summer
Herbs: Abundant in variety during the warmer months
Through the dedication of local farmers to sustainable agriculture practices, Missouri's farm landscape continues to flourish, providing plentiful and diverse produce to consumers during the summer and beyond.
Seasonal Recipes and Uses
July in Missouri brings a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are perfect for creating vibrant and flavorful dishes. Here are some ways to turn seasonal produce into delightful meals.
Simple Summer Salads
Missourians can enjoy the freshest salads by incorporating July-harvested beets and green garlic. A Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is a classic, where thinly sliced beets are paired with creamy goat cheese, walnuts (how long do walnuts last?), and a balsamic vinaigrette. For a more robust flavor, one could add freshly picked herbs to create a Green Garlic Pesto to drizzle over a mixed greens salad.
Homemade Jams and Preserves
July fruits are ideal for making Homemade Jams. A popular choice is peach jam which captures the essence of Missouri peaches at their peak. Those who prefer a tangier spread might opt for a vibrant Plum Jam, both of which are perfect for enjoying on toast or as a sweetener in yogurt or oatmeal.
Grilled Veggie Delights
Grilling enhances the natural sugars in vegetables, and July's ample produce is no exception. Eggplants and zucchinis can be sliced, brushed with olive oil, and grilled to perfection. They make an excellent side dish or a great addition to a Grilled Veggie Salsa, incorporating fresh tomatoes and garlic for a smoky, fresh topping for grilled meats or fish.
Planning Ahead
When July arrives, Missouri gardeners should focus on the tasks that set the foundation for a successful fall harvest. This involves not only preparing the land and crops for the cooler days ahead but also implementing strategies to extend the growing season.
Preparing for Fall Harvest
Gardeners should consider July the prime time to start planting crops for a fall harvest. Vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures, such as kale, spinach, and lettuce, should be sown in mid to late July to ensure they mature by fall, especially by October. It's essential to keep the soil moist to aid germination in the summer heat and to ensure a healthy stand of fall crops.
Key actions include:
Soil preparation: Till and amend soil with compost to replenish nutrients used by summer crops.
Seed selection: Choose varieties with shorter maturity dates to harvest before the first frost.
Watering: Irrigate regularly to establish seedlings, especially during hot, dry periods.
Season Extension Techniques
Innovative gardeners can extend the growing season beyond the typical first frost date by employing several techniques. These methods help to protect crops from early frosts, allowing them to produce yields well into fall, and in some cases, early winter.
Methods include:
Row covers: Lightweight fabrics that allow light and water in but keep frost and pests out.
Cold frames: Miniature greenhouses that can shield plants from cold while capturing solar heat.
Mulching: A thick layer of mulch can insulate the soil and protect root systems from early freezes.
By planning and implementing these strategies, Missouri gardeners can extend the productivity of their gardens and enjoy a bountiful fall harvest.
