Things are heating up in rural Georgia and warmer days are here to stay, which means that it's time for fresh fruit and vegetables, and, we are excited! June marks National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and rural Georgians are celebrating all month long with fresh produce on their tables.
Whether you have a garden of your own, or if you seek out the aisles of the grocery store for the Georgia Grown label, fresh produce is in season all year long in Georgia. However, the summer months bring about a few of our favorites.
Georgia's warm climate allows us to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, so it comes as no surprise our favorite produce tastes best when it's Georgia Grown. Here are a few items you can find in season this summer.
Basil
Used to garnish dishes and drinks, or to add a hint of fresh flavor, basil can be grown outdoors in all 159 counties across the state.
Beets
This root has become seemingly popular over the years because of their nutritional value. Whether you're canning them or eating them fresh on a salad, they are quite delicious and nutritious.
Blackberries
Who knew something so small could be used so many different ways? They're the perfect ingredient for cobblers, jams, and even wine.
Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants, this sweet little treat is the number one fruit produced in Georgia. Whether you're baking up some muffins, or adding them to your morning yogurt, Georgia Grown blueberries pack a big punch.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is sweet, refreshing, and the perfect treat for any occasion. When you're searching for the perfect one, the bottom of your cantaloupe should be yellow-orange, and not green.
Cucumbers
Perfect on a salad, made into pickles, or eaten fresh from the garden - who doesn't love a good cucumber? They're available six months of the year in Georgia.
Eggplant
Rumor has it that eggplants are considered a vegetable, but are actually a berry related to the tomato and potato. A strange vegetable, but nevertheless delicious.
Field Peas
Georgia's field pea industry is valued at nearly $10 million, so it is no surprise that Georgia and field peas go hand in hand - like two peas in a pod.
Lima Beans
A southern staple, lima beans, also known as butter beans, are certainly no stranger to the state of Georgia. In fact, there are over 125 lima bean farms across the state.
Muscadine Grapes
In 2020, Muscadine grapes were named the official grape of Georgia. With their sweet taste, Georgia leads the nation in its production of muscadines.
Okra
Grown in all 159 counties in Georgia, okra is a key to a southern diet - an excellent source of vitamins C and K, folate, calcium, magnesium, fiber, potassium, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
Peaches
Georgia is coined as the Peach State, so it is no surprise that we produce about 2.6 million bushels, annually. Nothing beats a sweet Georgia peach.
Peppers
A crop that can be harvested in both spring and fall, Georgia's peppers are the perfect taste of summer. Georgia's peppers are the fourth largest crop in the state.
Squash
When it comes to squashing the competition, the state of Georgia has it covered. Georgia summer squash is harvested 365 days a year, earning the title of the third-largest squash-producing state.
Strawberries
Great for ice cream, smoothies, or by themselves, strawberries are certainly a contender for the most popular berry. Known for their sweet, juicy goodness, Georgia-grown strawberries are a great summer treat.
Sweet Corn
We are all ears for sweet corn grown in Georgia! If you're driving through Georgia this time of year, you are sure to see corn growing up in rows.
Tomatoes
Summer tomatoes are best when sliced, added to two slices of bread, with a little bit of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Nothing beats a tomato sandwich - trust us.
Vidalia Onions
As the official state vegetable of Georgia, Vidalia onions are a sweet way to add flavor to any dish you're cooking this summer.
Watermelon
Crisp, sweet, and refreshing, nothing says summer like a Georgia-grown watermelon. These sweet melons are grown primarily in Crisp County, and Cordele, Georgia, claims honor as the Watermelon Capital of the World.
If you're wondering where to snag Georgia-grown produce this summer, check out the Georgia Grown website to find a stop local to you.