Delaware Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in June
A Guide to Fresh Produce
This Article is Part of our Delaware Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
Delaware's agricultural richness shines in June, a month characterized by an abundance of fresh produce. During this time, local farms and markets brim with the freshest fruits (What wine goes well with fruit?) and vegetables. June marks a period where the earlier spring crops begin to make room for the onset of early summer harvests, offering a mix of flavors that are both refreshing and diverse.
Seasonal produce at its peak can not only provide heightened flavor and nutrition but also supports local farming communities. Consumers have the opportunity to indulge in locally grown strawberries, which often mark the beginning of the pick-your-own season in Delaware. Alongside these popular berries, snow peas are also at their prime, with their natural sweetness and crisp texture making them a delightful addition to various dishes.
As June progresses, residents and visitors alike have the chance to experience the freshness and quality of Delaware's seasonal produce. The vibrant selection available at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and through community-supported agriculture ensures that anyone can access the best of what the season has to offer, all while supporting sustainable local agriculture.
Understanding Seasonality in Delaware
In Delaware, the understanding of seasonality is fundamental to grasping the rhythms of local produce availability. The state endures a full spectrum of seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—each contributing uniquely to the growth cycles of fruits and vegetables.
Spring in Delaware marks the arrival of early-season produce as the soil thaws and daylight lengthens. Planting begins and sets the stage for the late spring and early summer harvests. By June, the region decidedly shifts into summer mode with a significant increase in temperature and sunlight, accelerating the growth of various crops.
The below table exemplifies typical seasonal produce available in Delaware during its summer months:
Produce Availability Start Peak Season Strawberries Late May Early June Blueberries (how long do blueberries last?) Mid-June July Peaches Late June August Tomatoes Late June August
Delawareans anticipate the transition from spring to summer, as it brings a surge of fresh, seasonal produce. The availability and variety of fruits and vegetables expand considerably, with local farmers' markets and pick-your-own farms bursting with bounty.
Throughout the year, the region's agricultural schedule reflects the ebb and flow of these seasons. The climate allows for a diverse range of crops but also dictates the precise windows when each can thrive. Therefore, residents and visitors alike can plan their food-related activities—be they for gardening, cooking, or preserving—according to the well-established harvest calendar.
Knowledge of local seasonality is not just a matter of culinary interest; it's a practice in sustainability and support for Delaware's regional farming community. It emphasizes the importance of consuming foods when they are at their peak in both flavor and nutrition, thus cultivating a connection with the natural cycle of food production.
Primary Fruits in Summer
Summer brings a bounty of fresh fruits in Delaware, each with its unique window of ripeness. This is the prime time for fruit enthusiasts to relish local produce that is both sweet and bursting with flavor.
Berries
Delaware summers are a treat for berry lovers, with a variety of berries reaching their peak.
Strawberries: Start to wane but can still be found fresh in early June.
Blueberries: Hit their stride in June, continuing well into August.
Blackberries: Begin in July but can be sometimes found earlier.
Raspberries: Often ready by June, they offer a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of other summer berries.
Stone Fruits
June marks the start for some beloved stone fruits.
Peaches: Early varieties become ready in late June, with the season peaking in July and August.
Nectarines: Follow a similar timeline as peaches, offering a firmer texture and a slightly more acidic flavor.
Cherries (how long do cherries last?): Sweet cherries are typically ready by early June, while tart varieties come shortly after.
Melons
These summer favorites are generally harvested later in the season but start to appear by the end of June.
Watermelons: Begin to ripen in late June, with the prime season through August.
Cantaloupes (how long does cantaloupe last?): Also start their season in late June, known for their fragrant and sweet flesh.
Other Summer Fruits
Delaware summers provide a variety of other fruits.
Plums: Available during the mid to late summer months, with a juicy bite.
Apples: Certain early varieties might start in late summer, bridging the seasonal transition with their crispness.
Late Spring Options
Rhubarb: While not a fruit, rhubarb is often used in sweet pies and desserts. It's typically at the end of its season in early summer.
Early Fall Preview
Pears: Some early varieties of pears may become available towards the end of summer, hinting at the fall bounty to come.
Citrus Fruits
While not native to Delaware's climate, some citrus fruits can be found in markets but are likely sourced from other regions.
Lemons: Typically not grown locally, these are commonly available in stores year-round.
Key Vegetables of June
In June, Delaware's vegetable garden offers a vibrant and wide array of vegetables. From the robust flavors of leafy greens to the satisfying crunch of legumes, this month provides an abundance of fresh produce.
Leafy Greens
June marks the prime time for harvesting a variety of leafy greens in Delaware. Gardeners and farmers find their plots abundant with:
Kale: Resilient and nutrient-dense, kale continues to thrive into June.
Spinach: Known for its speedy growth, spinach offers a subtle sweetness this month.
Arugula: (how long does arugula last?) With a peppery taste, arugula adds a kick to any salad.
Swiss Chard: This colorful green presents itself in both red-stemmed and white-stemmed varieties.
Lettuce: A staple in gardens, various types of lettuce are ripe for picking.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables also do well during this time:
Radishes: Quick to mature, radishes provide a pleasant spice.
Beets: Earthy and deep-flavored, beets are reaching perfect ripeness.
Turnips: Versatile in cooking, turnips make a great addition to both raw salads and stews.
Nightshades and Cucurbits
Delaware's June warmth welcomes the start of the nightshade and cucurbit season. Some early varieties to look for are:
Zucchini and Summer Squash: These fast growers often appear in markets this time of year.
Cucumbers: Perfect for cool, crisp salads, cucumbers start to make an appearance.
Legumes and More
June is an important month for legumes and similar vegetables:
Peas: Notably, snow peas and snap peas are plump and ready for harvest.
Green Beans: Tender and versatile, green beans are just beginning their season.
Other Key Vegetables
A few other key vegetables that are notable in Delaware’s June bounty include:
Cabbage: A cool-season crop, cabbage is just finishing its peak season.
Broccoli and Cauliflower: These cruciferous vegetables are rounding out their harvesting period.
Alliums
The allium family is particularly fragrant and flavorsome during June:
Onions: Onions at this time may still be found spring-like, or maturing into their more bulbous form.
Garlic and Garlic Scapes: Garlic scapes are harvested early in the month, while garlic bulbs follow later.
Spring Onions: Milder and sweeter than their mature counterparts, these are a seasonal delicacy.
This selection of vegetables can offer a snapshot of what's fresh and at its best in Delaware during the month of June.
