Wisconsin Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in June
Your Fresh Guide
This Article is Part of our Wisconsin Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
June marks the beginning of an abundant and diverse harvest season for Wisconsin, providing a plethora of fresh produce selections for residents and visitors alike. In this early summer month, the state's rich soils and varying climates contribute to the growth of a wide variety of fruits (What wine goes well with fruit?) and vegetables. People who opt for locally-sourced food will find that June offers some of the freshest and most flavorful options.
Among the fruits coming into season, strawberries are often the stars of Wisconsin's early summer, with their peak ripeness and sweet juiciness attracting many to local pick-your-own farms. Vegetable gardens and farmers' markets begin to brim with produce such as crisp lettuces, radishes, and snap peas, all of which thrive in the state's cooler early summer temperatures. As the month progresses, more heat-loving vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower start to make their appearances, broadening the palette of available fresh produce.
Monthly Harvest Calendar for Wisconsin
June in Wisconsin marks the arrival of fresh, local produce. This month residents enjoy the beginnings of summer harvests, with a variety of fruits and vegetables becoming ripe for picking.
June Produce Overview
In June, Wisconsin's farms begin to offer a variety of summer produce. This is the time when certain fruit and vegetable crops reach their peak, providing fresh and flavorful options. The selection of in-season produce allows for a diverse range of fresh dishes and preserves.
June Fruit Highlights
Strawberries: A beloved early summer fruit, strawberries are usually ripe for harvest in June. They're known for their vibrant red color and sweet, juicy taste.
Rhubarb: While technically a vegetable, rhubarb is often used as a fruit in desserts. It is typically harvested by June and is a favorite for pies and jams.
June Vegetable Highlights
Greens: A variety of leafy greens are available, including spinach, kale, and lettuce. These greens are perfect for fresh summer salads.
Asparagus: (What wine goes well with asparagus?) As one of the first vegetables of the season, asparagus is typically ready for harvest in June.
Peas: Garden peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas are also in abundance during this month, adding sweetness and crunch to meals.
Selecting and Storing June Produce
In June, Wisconsin markets and farms offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Knowing how to select the best produce and store it properly ensures maximum freshness and flavor.
Tips for Choosing Fresh Produce
When visiting a store or farmers' market, one should look for:
Vegetables: Crisp, vibrant green beans; firm, blemish-free heads of cabbage; and leafy herbs without any signs of wilting.
Fruits: Cantaloupes (how long does cantaloupe last?) that feel heavy for their size with the sweet aroma at the blossom end, and brightly colored apricots with a slight give when gently pressed.
Storage Best Practices
To maintain quality and extend the shelf life of June produce:
Vegetables: Store green beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, keep cabbage in a cool, humid environment, and herbs should be either wrapped in a damp paper towel and bagged or placed stem-end-down in a cup of water in the fridge.
Fruits: Cantaloupes can ripen at room temperature but should be refrigerated once ripe or cut to preserve freshness. Apricots also ripen at room temperature but store in the refrigerator when ripe for a few days.
By adhering to these guidelines, one can enjoy the seasonal bounty of Wisconsin to the fullest.
June's Prime Locations for Produce
In June, Wisconsin's agriculture blooms, offering a variety of fresh produce. Consumers can expect to find high-quality, locally-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and local farm stands across the state.
Wisconsin Farmers Markets
Farmers markets become a hub for fresh, in-season produce throughout Wisconsin. They serve as a nexus where consumers have direct access to the latest harvests from local growers. In June, markets boast a particularly abundant variety of crops due to the favorable growing conditions of the late spring and early summer months.
Madison Farmers Market: Known for its wide selection of produce that includes fresh greens, herbs, and early-season berries.
Milwaukee Farmers Market: Offers urban residents access to local produce, featuring items like crisp radishes, tender asparagus, and sweet snap peas.
Farm Stands and Local Farms
Local farms and roadside stands present another opportunity for consumers to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural offerings. These locations often provide an even closer look at the source of the produce.
Robertson Orchards in Sturgeon Bay: Here, June welcomes the start of the cherry season, with family-operated farm stands offering both sweet and tart varieties.
Local Farm Stands: Scattered through the state, these stands provide heirloom varieties and often feature unique crops that are not as common at larger markets.
June Preparation and Cooking Tips
As the lush season of June unfolds in Wisconsin, chefs and home cooks alike revel in the abundance of fresh produce. Preparing and cooking with June vegetables and fruits not only enhances the flavor of dishes but also supports local agriculture and seasonal eating.
Seasonal Recipes and Ideas
Wisconsin's June bounty is ideal for creating vibrant and fresh salads. Salads capitalize on a variety of greens including spinach, kale, and arugula (how long does arugula last?). Pairing these with herbs like thyme, mint, and chervil brings a refreshing taste to any meal. Incorporating cheese, such as local feta or goat cheese, adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the crispness of the greens.
Fruit salads: Mix strawberries and early blueberries with a hint of mint.
Green salads: Combine kale, spinach, and arugula with a vinaigrette.
Herb-infused salads: Use chervil, mint, or thyme for a flavor boost.
Cooking With June Vegetables
The vegetables available in June, like asparagus, peas, and greens, are best enjoyed with minimal cooking to preserve their natural flavors. Steaming or sautéing these vegetables lightly with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt can enhance their inherent sweetness and texture. They can also be incorporated into pastas or risottos to add a fresh, seasonal touch.
Asparagus: Grill or roast until tender, finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Peas: Add to pastas or lightly sauté with onions for a simple side.
Greens: Use in stir-fries, or blanch and dress with olive oil.
In June, one's kitchen in Wisconsin transforms with the colors and flavors of the season. Utilizing the state's vegetables and fruits can lead to a satisfying culinary experience.
Wisconsin Produce Beyond June
As the vibrant month of June wanes, Wisconsin's agricultural bounty continues to flourish. The state's dedication to diverse crop cultivation ensures a seamless transition from early to late summer harvests, followed by an abundance of fall produce.
Seasonal Food Transitioning
The transition from June into July sees the peak of certain crops like sweet corn, a staple in Wisconsin's agricultural landscape. Tomatoes, with their rich flavor, begin to reach maturity as they bask in the warmer July temperatures. These months are crucial as they represent the heart of the growing season, where farmers work to deliver the freshest and most flavorful produce.
Fall follows suit with its own colorful palette of crops. This season is known for the harvesting of root vegetables and the second wave of cool weather crops that were planted later to ensure steady produce availability.
Planning for Year-Round Freshness
Farmers often employ crop rotation and storage techniques to extend the availability of fresh produce. These methods can provide year-round access to a variety of crops. Storage is key – root vegetables and certain types of squash, for instance, can be stored well into the winter months if kept in the proper conditions.
Corn, primarily harvested in late summer and early fall, can be preserved through canning or freezing, retaining its quality. This planning and foresight enable Wisconsin residents and markets to enjoy local produce even beyond the traditional growing seasons.
Connecting With Wisconsin's Agricultural Community
June in Wisconsin is a prime time for residents and visitors to connect with the state's bountiful agricultural community. With various fruits and vegetables coming into season, there are multiple channels through which people can engage with local growers and participate in community-driven activities.
Social Media and Online Resources
Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest serve as excellent platforms for accessing current information on harvest times and available produce. Many family-run farms maintain active social media profiles where they share updates about their crops, with June being a lively month for fresh harvests. For instance:
Facebook: Pages dedicated to local farmer's markets provide daily updates about available products.
Twitter: Growers often tweet about their day-to-day farm happenings, including peak harvest times.
Pinterest: Recipe ideas inspired by Wisconsin's seasonal produce can be found, helping to integrate local foods into the household.
Additionally, many farms and markets have their own websites detailing what is currently in stock, how to visit, and ways to purchase directly from the source.
Supporting Local Growers
By visiting farmer's markets throughout the county, one can directly support the efforts of Wisconsin growers. These markets not only offer the freshest selections of fruits and vegetables but also create opportunities for consumers to learn more about where their food comes from and how it's grown. In June, one can expect to find vibrant selections of:
Fresh vegetables like asparagus and leafy greens.
Seasonal fruits which may include the beginnings of summer berries.
When visiting these markets, individuals can connect face-to-face with the families who tirelessly work to maintain the state's agricultural legacy.
Community Events and Activities
Hosted throughout various Wisconsin counties, community events and activities offer a deep dive into the local agricultural scene. These events often include:
Farm tours: A chance to visit cranberry farms and see the harvest process.
Cooking demonstrations: Utilizing fresh, local ingredients, these activities help showcase the potential of June's seasonal produce.
Educational workshops: Families can participate in activities that teach about sustainable farming practices and the importance of supporting local agriculture.
The interaction with growers at such events allows for a better understanding of the role that agriculture plays in Wisconsin's community and economy, reinforcing the seasonal rhythm of life in the state.
