SUMMER
PRODUCE
GUIDE
Summer is finally upon us and so
is the season’s knock-out produce.
You’ll want to sample all of the
fresh fruits and vegetables that
warm weather brings. Here’s how
to select, store and cook during
this bountiful season.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are best eaten at the height of
the summer season. Choose those that
are vine-ripened and bright in color.
Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature
for up to 3 days. If they are slightly
unripe, put them in a sunny place for
several days, and they will ripen further.
Store cut tomatoes, wrapped in plastic
wrap or waxed paper, in the refrigerator.
RECIPES
COOKING ESSENTIALS
Summer Squash
Look for summer squash that are bright
in color, firm, and heavy for their size.
They will generally be crisp and sweet
when young, becoming both firmer and
seedier as they grow larger. Store the
squashes in a plastic bag in the
refrigerator for up to 3 days.
RECIPES
COOKING ESSENTIALS
Summer Melons
Select summer melons (such as ripe
cantaloupe and honeydew) that have
a strong, sweet fragrance and give
slightly when pressed at both ends.
Watermelons should have a large, pale
yellow patch on one side—indicating
that the melon was left on the vine to
ripen—and sound hollow when given
a gentle knock. Store whole melons at
room temperature until ripe, then in the
refrigerator. Cut melon can be stored in
an airtight container in the refrigerator
for up to 2 days.
COOKING ESSENTIALS
Corn
Choose ears of corn with fresh green
husks and no signs of browning or
drying. When the husks are pulled
back, they should reveal corn silks
that are pale yellow and moist. The
kernels should be plump, juicy and
tightly packed in even rows. Store
ears of corn unshucked in a plastic
bag in the refrigerator for up to 2
days, then remove the husks and
silks just before using.
COOKING ESSENTIALS
Berries
Berries are at their best when
they’re bright in color, shiny, and
plump. Handle them with care and
plan to use them within a few days
of purchase or harvest. Wait to wash
them until just before use, placing
them in a colander to rinse with fresh
water. To store fully ripe berries, place
them in a single layer between paper
towels in an airtight container in the
refrigerator for up to 2 days.
COOKING ESSENTIALS
Green Beans
The perfectly fresh green bean should
snap easily when broken. Choose
beans that are evenly colored, free of
brown spots, and have velvety smooth
pods. To store green beans, wrap them
in dry paper towels, place the wrapped
beans in an open plastic bag, and
refrigerate for up to 3 days.
RECIPES
