Peaches Aren't the Only Fruit Worth Eating - Discover New Fruits This Summer

Introduction

Peaches are a delicious fruit that many people enjoy during the summer months. Their sweet, juicy flavor is hard to resist on a hot day. However, peaches are far from the only tasty fruit out there. There are many other fruits that deserve recognition for their unique flavors and textures.

Other Tree Fruits

Like peaches, many other stone fruits grow on trees and have a pit in the center. These include:

Plums

Plums come in a wide range of colors like red, purple, yellow, and green. There are many different varieties like Santa Rosa, Satsuma, and Elephant Heart. Flavors range from tart to very sweet. Some popular ways to eat plums are by snacking on them fresh, incorporating them into fruit tarts, or drying them into prunes.

Apricots

Apricots are smaller than peaches but just as delicious. They have a soft, velvety exterior and sweet, tart flesh. Fresh apricots are perfect for eating plain or adding to yogurt parfaits. Dried apricots are a chewy, nutritious snack. Apricots also make great pies, jams, and fruit compotes.

Cherries

Cherries add a pop of color and flavor. Varieties like Bing and Rainier cherries are sweet with a crisp texture, while tart cherries like Montmorency work well in pies. Eat cherries on their own, in fruit salads, or enjoy dried, frozen, or canned for year-round enjoyment.

Nectarines

Smooth-skinned nectarines are a fuzz-free relative of peaches. Their sweet, juicy flesh makes them ideal for eating fresh. Use sliced nectarines in everything from breakfast bowls to grilled chicken salads. Nectarines also make refreshing sweet tea and jam.

Tropical Fruits

In addition to stone fruits, consider trying these tropical fruits:

Mangoes

Mangoes are prized for their sweet, creamy flesh and tropical flair. There are many different mango varieties like Ataulfo, Kent, Tommy Atkins, and Francis, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Mangoes are great plain or in smoothies, chutney, salsa, or lassi.

Pineapples

Nothing says the tropics like pineapples! Their iconic prickly appearance gives way to juicy, vibrantly flavored flesh. Pineapples shine in both sweet and savory dishes. Grill or broil pineapple rings, turn them into pineapple fried rice, or blend them into a tropical smoothie.

Papaya

Papaya has a unique melon-like flavor. Green papayas are often used in salads, while ripe orange papayas are perfect for eating fresh. The black seeds inside are edible and add peppery spice. Papaya also works nicely in chutneys, jams, and smoothies.

Bananas

Bananas may seem common, but they're actually exotic fruits full of potassium. Their starchy, sweet quality makes them ideal for snacks, smoothies, pancakes, and banana bread. Let bananas ripen further to bring out more sugar.

Berries

No discussion of fruit is complete without berries. These bite-sized fruits pack huge flavor:

Strawberries

Juicy, red strawberries are a crowd favorite. They shine fresh but also work in all kinds of dishes, like strawberry shortcake, smoothies, and lemonade. Strawberries pair well with flavors like balsamic vinegar and black pepper.

Raspberries

Plump, gently fuzzy raspberries range in color from red to black. Their sweet-tart pop makes them an addictive snack. Use raspberries to top yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal, and salads.

Blueberries

Blueberries bring both tasty flavor and impressive health benefits. Their versatile, slightly acidic flavor works for baking, smoothies, or topping cereal and yogurt. Dried blueberries make a satisfying snack too.

Blackberries

Blackberries deliver a brambly, deep flavor accented by small seeds. Their eye-catching dark hue looks beautiful in fruit salads and parfaits. Blackberries also enhance the flavor of juices, cobblers, and jam.

Other Fruits Worth Trying

Beyond classic fruits, here are some more unique options:

Dragonfruit

With their hot pink skin and shape, dragonfruit look exotic and exciting. Their mild, slightly sweet flesh offers a delicate flavor accented by edible black seeds. Just slice a dragonfruit in half and scoop out the flesh.

Guava

Tropical pink guava has a unique aroma and flavor. Some compare it to a mix of strawberries, pears, and apples. Eat guava out of hand, enjoy guava juice drinks, or cook into jams and desserts.

Kumquats

Tiny kumquats pack a tart, tangy punch. They look like mini oranges, but you can eat the skin too. Kumquats add great flavor to salads, chutneys, marmalade, and cocktails.

Persimmons

Glossy orange persimmons taste like spiced honey or cinnamon apples. Enjoy their gentle sweetness plain or baked into puddings, cookies, and bread. Wait until very ripe for the best flavor.

The Takeaway

Peaches may get all the fame, but so many other fruits deserve a spot at the table. Appreciate the diversity of flavors, textures, colors, and uses that different fruits provide. Keep trying new varieties and new ways of eating fruit. You'll discover amazing new flavor combinations.

Fruits make for both tasty snacks and stunning ingredients in recipes. Don't limit yourself to just peaches all summer long. Branch out and see what other fruits inspire you!

FAQs

What are some good fruits to eat in the summer besides peaches?

Some other delicious summer fruits include plums, nectarines, apricots, mangoes, pineapples, berries, melons, figs, and grapes.

What are the health benefits of eating a variety of fruits?

Eating many different fruits gives you a wider range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Variety also keeps your tastebuds excited and can help you meet more of your daily fruit servings.

How should I store fruit to keep it fresh?

The best way to store most fruits is in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Keep fruits like bananas, peaches, and apricots out on the counter until ripe. Then refrigerate to slow down ripening and extend their shelf life.