There’s nothing quite like the flavor of fruits and vegetables picked at their peak. Seasonal produce is fresher, often more affordable, and packed with flavor and nutrients. But because growing seasons vary across the United States, what’s ripe in Maine may still be weeks away in Montana or long gone in Florida.

Here’s a look at what’s typically in season across different regions of the country this month, plus tips for storing your harvest and simple ways to enjoy it.

Note: Availability varies depending on your local climate and weather. Check with nearby farmers’ markets or farm stands for the freshest picks.

Northeast

Summer is in full swing, bringing an abundance of colorful produce.

Look for:

• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Strawberries (late season in northern areas)
• Lettuce
• Cucumbers
• Green beans
• Peas
• Summer squash
• Zucchini
• New potatoes

Storage Tip

Store berries in the refrigerator but don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat them. Moisture encourages mold and shortens their shelf life.

Try This

Make a simple blueberry crisp, toss zucchini into pasta with garlic and olive oil, or prepare a fresh cucumber salad with dill and vinegar.

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Southeast

Warm temperatures mean gardens and farms are overflowing with fresh produce.

Look for:

• Tomatoes
• Sweet corn
• Okra
• Peaches
• Watermelon
• Bell peppers
• Eggplant
• Cucumbers
• Green beans
• Summer squash

Storage Tip

Keep tomatoes on the countertop—not in the refrigerator—to preserve their flavor and texture.

Try This

Slice ripe tomatoes with basil and mozzarella, grill fresh corn, or roast okra with olive oil and your favorite seasoning.

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Midwest

The heartland offers some of summer’s biggest harvests.

Look for:

• Sweet corn
• Tomatoes
• Green beans
• Beets
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Cucumbers

Storage Tip

Remove leafy carrot tops before refrigerating. The greens pull moisture from the roots, causing carrots to wilt more quickly.

Try This

Prepare roasted beet salad with goat cheese, fresh corn chowder, or homemade refrigerator pickles.

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Southwest

Heat-loving crops thrive in the summer sun.

Look for:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Chiles
• Melons
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Summer squash
• Figs (some areas)
• Herbs

Storage Tip

Wrap fresh herbs in a slightly damp paper towel and store them inside a reusable container or bag in the refrigerator.

Try This

Make homemade salsa with tomatoes and peppers, grill vegetables for tacos, or blend watermelon into a refreshing agua fresca.

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Pacific Northwest

Long summer days help produce flourish.

Look for:

• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Snap peas
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Broccoli
• New potatoes
• Zucchini
• Herbs

Storage Tip

Leafy greens stay crisp longer when stored in a container lined with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Try This

Create a mixed berry galette, roast new potatoes with rosemary, or enjoy a fresh kale salad topped with local berries.

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California

California’s diverse climate means an impressive variety of produce is available throughout the summer.

Look for:

• Apricots
• Peaches
• Plums
• Nectarines
• Grapes (early season)
• Tomatoes
• Avocados
• Bell peppers
• Cucumbers
• Green beans

Storage Tip

Allow stone fruits to ripen at room temperature before refrigerating if needed.

Try This

Grill peaches for dessert, prepare avocado toast topped with sliced tomatoes, or make a colorful vegetable stir-fry.

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Keep Your Produce Fresh Longer

A few simple habits can help reduce food waste and keep your fruits and vegetables tasting their best.

• Wash produce only when you’re ready to use it.
• Store ethylene-producing fruits like apples, peaches, and tomatoes away from leafy greens.
• Freeze extra berries for smoothies or baking.
• Blanch and freeze green beans, corn, and peas to enjoy summer flavors later in the year.
• Turn overripe fruit into jams, sauces, or freezer-friendly desserts.

Shop Local When You Can

Buying seasonal produce from local farms supports your community while giving you access to fruits and vegetables harvested at their peak. Farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are excellent places to discover varieties you may not find in grocery stores.

Plus, you’ll often find the people who grew your food are happy to share cooking tips, favorite recipes, and advice on selecting the ripest produce.

What’s Your Favorite Seasonal Find?

Every region has its signature summer harvest. Whether you look forward to juicy peaches, sweet corn, garden tomatoes, or baskets of fresh berries, there’s no better time to enjoy nature’s bounty than when it’s in season.