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8 Affordable Summer Fruits and Vegetables

Summertime means fun in the sun, vacation time, cold treats…and local in-season fruits and vegetables! Best of all, produce is not only at its freshest during this time, but also at its cheapest. Here are eight of our favourite affordable fruits and veggies, as well as a few fun ways to cook and bake with them.

1. Strawberries

The summer berry par excellence, strawberries are usually in season from late June to mid-July. They tend to spoil quickly, so proper storage is a must to ensure you can make all your summer favourites, such as shortcake, homemade ice cream, jam and, of course, a classic strawberry pie.

2. Blueberries

These blue gems are in season from mid-July to late August. (Quebec wild blueberries are also in season during this same period.) They’re perfect on their own or in recipes such as cakes, scones, other treats and the best-ever blueberry muffins, just in time for when back-to-school season rolls around!

3. Cantaloupe

Fresh and juicy melons are a summer staple, with cantaloupe season in particular from mid-July to September. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy raw on its own, in a fruit salad or as a tart garnish. It even goes well in savoury chicken and pork dishes! But it’s an especially wonderful ingredient to include in refreshing drinks like a cocktail or your morning smoothie.

4. Peaches

Peaches make their way to grocery stores from mid-July until early September. Juicy and refreshing, you can enjoy their sweet and lightly floral taste in a typical crumble or crisp, salad or sangria. However, given that summer is also barbecue season, your best bet is to grill the peaches until perfectly caramelized and serve with a scoop of ice cream. Simplicity at its best!

Why are fruits and veggies affordable when in season?
  • 1. There is a higher supply of produce. Since they’re harvested in larger quantities, prices tend to remain low;
  • 2. Produce grown locally means reduced transportation costs (compared to fruits and vegetables imported from other countries), allowing producers to keep prices affordable;
  • 3. Production is cost effective when produce is in season, needing to use less energy and other resources (like greenhouses, for example), which means you pay less at the grocery store.

5. Cucumber

From late June to early September, you’ll find seasonal cucumber in grocery stores and farmers markets. It’s a salad staple, but you can also get creative and use it in many other ways! It’s refreshing and therefore perfect in a granita served with scallops, in a cold soup, and a bright summer cocktail or mocktail.

6. Zucchini

This popular squash is in season from late June to early September, so be sure to stock up when prices are low! Use your trusty spiralizer to make a tasty “zoodle” dish, or simply enjoy the vegetable in a frittata or in a Greek-style fritter. You can even sneak some into your kids’ favourite muffin or dessert loaf! But when the weather is warm, make this gorgeous and deceptively easy tart that’s perfect for entertaining. 

7. Corn

The staple of your annual corn roast, this summer vegetable is in season from late July all the way to early October! Enjoy it whole, in a chowder or broth, as a taco filling or in a unique cocktail. But we recommend making these spicy corn ribs that are fun to eat and are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

8. Tomatoes

Ah, tomatoes… Whether plum, heirloom or cherry, tomatoes are a late-summer must! In season from late July to early October, you probably like to stock up in order to can a few jars of tomato sauce, extending that taste of summer throughout the year! Other great ways to use tomatoes include a classic tomato soup, tasty sandwich, savoury tart or the perfect summer antipasto: bruschetta.

For more recipe suggestions that won’t break the bank, check out this article featuring vegetarian summer meal ideas: