What's in Season?: August (The Cool-Down)
Aug 13th, 2024
Hello and welcome back to the land of seasonal novelties,
As the warm embrace of summer reaches its peak, so does the abundance of fresh, flavorful produce. From juicy melons to crisp green beans, the season offers a vibrant palette of ingredients that can transform your meals. At Jubilee Marketplace, we're proud to bring you the best of this seasonal bounty. Let's explore some of the star produce items gracing our shelves this summer.
Melons
Varieties: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew
Flavor Profile: Sweet, refreshing, and hydrating.
Culinary Uses: Enjoy melons sliced fresh, blended into smoothies, or tossed into fruit salads. For a gourmet twist, try a watermelon and feta cheese salad garnished with mint leaves.
Okra
Flavor Profile: Mild and earthy with a unique, slightly mucilaginous texture when cooked.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for frying, stewing, or pickling. Okra is a staple in Southern cuisine, especially in dishes like gumbo. To reduce its sliminess, try quick sautéing or grilling.
Basil
Varieties: Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Lemon Basil
Flavor Profile: Aromatic and slightly peppery with hints of clove and anise.
Culinary Uses: A quintessential herb in Italian dishes. Use fresh basil in pesto, caprese salads, or as a garnish on pizzas and pastas. Thai basil adds a distinctive flavor to Southeast Asian curries and stir-fries.
Peaches
Flavor Profile: Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart with a tender flesh.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for desserts like peach cobbler, pies, and ice cream. Grilled peaches pair wonderfully with savory dishes, adding a sweet contrast to meats and salads.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Varieties: Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra
Flavor Profile: Rich, sweet, and complex with varying acidity levels.
Culinary Uses: Their vibrant colors and flavors make them ideal for fresh salads, bruschetta, or simply sliced with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Peppers
Varieties: Bell Peppers, Jalapeños, Habaneros
Flavor Profile: Ranges from sweet (bell peppers) to intensely spicy (habaneros).
Culinary Uses: Bell peppers are versatile—use them in stir-fries, stuffed, or raw in salads. Spicier varieties like jalapeños and habaneros add heat to salsas, marinades, and sauces.
Tomatillos
Flavor Profile: Tart and slightly citrusy with a firm texture.
Culinary Uses: A staple in Mexican cuisine, tomatillos are the key ingredient in salsa verde. Roast or boil them to bring out their flavor before blending into sauces.
Green Beans
Flavor Profile: Fresh, slightly sweet, and crisp.
Culinary Uses: Steam, sauté, or roast green beans as a side dish. They also shine in salads, casseroles, and stir-fries. For a simple preparation, toss them with garlic and butter.
Apples
Varieties: Early season apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, and Mcintosh.
Flavor Profile: Varies from sweet to tart with crisp textures.
Culinary Uses: Enjoy apples fresh, in pies, or as part of savory dishes like pork roasts. Slice them into salads for a sweet crunch or simmer into sauces and butters.
Tips for Selecting and Storing Summer Produce
Melons: Choose ones that feel heavy for their size with a slightly sweet aroma. Store at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate.
Okra: Look for small, bright green pods that are firm to the touch. Use within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Basil: Select vibrant green leaves without dark spots. Keep stems in water at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Peaches: Opt for fragrant fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Ripen at room temperature; refrigerate once ripe to extend shelf life.
Heirloom Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are heavy with smooth skin. Store at room temperature to preserve flavor.
Peppers: Look for firm, glossy skins without blemishes. Refrigerate in the vegetable drawer.
Tomatillos: Husks should be dry and papery, enclosing firm fruits. Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator.
Green Beans: Select beans that snap easily when bent. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper.
Apples: Choose firm fruits without bruises. Store in the refrigerator to maintain crispness.
Summer's diverse produce offers endless possibilities for creating fresh and flavorful dishes. Whether you're biting into a juicy peach, savoring a salad with heirloom tomatoes, or spicing up your meals with vibrant peppers, the season's bounty is not to be missed.
Visit Jubilee Marketplace to explore these seasonal delights and more. Our commitment to quality ensures that you bring home the freshest ingredients to elevate your culinary creations. Embrace the flavors of summer and let your kitchen be a canvas for nature's finest offerings.
Happy Seasonal Cooking!
The Jubilee Marketplace Team, 145 West St. GREENPOINT, @jubileemarketplace