The freshest tomatoes won't be around for too much longerThere's already a cool breeze in the air. Fall is almost here and soon late-summer fruit and vegetable favorites will be gone. Now's the time to take advantage of these 5 picks that just won't be the same next season, or until next summer! Find out what to look for and some seasonal recipes that let them shine on the plate.
1. Tomatoes. Look for tomatoes without any broken skin or bruises that are firm but yield to gentle pressure. They're available in a rainbow of colors and an endless number of shapes and sizes, so feel free to try them all to find your favorite. We liked red and yellow ones in this beautiful Rustic Tomato Tart. Get them soon because you'll start to see the gorgeous supply dwindle by the end of September. Keep them out at room temperature and out of the refrigerator to maintain their juiciness and texture.
Related: What's in Season Now? Each Month's Freshest Foods
2. Sweet Corn. Get the dental floss ready for the last of the succulent cobs this year. In the bushel at the market, pick ears with nice, green husks, fresh-looking stems, and moist silk tassels. You can also peel the husks to look at the kernels--they should be intact and firm. To really savor corn's flavor before the crop is done, we like Chilled Corn and Bacon Soup. Tip: once you remove the kernels, break up the cobs and let them steep in the mixture while the soup chills to add extra corn flavor.
3. Summer Squash. Zucchini, Patty Pan, Yellow Squash, and all the summer squash iterations are super versatile for cooking. Try to find squashes that aren't bruised or blemished. The smaller ones tend to be younger and more flavorful. Try our fabulous Savory Green-Onion Pancakes to truly showcase this veggie.
Related: 10 Autumn Dinner Ideas
4. Melons. Who doesn't love some sweet, juicy honeydew, watermelon, or cantaloupe? They should have a sweet smell and be heavy for their size. On its own or paired with something smoky and salty, a melon can have fascinating, complex flavors. Try Grilled Melon Skewers as a new way to enjoy them.
5. Plums. This versatile fruit partners perfectly with pork and chicken, and cakes and tarts. Plums are often sold unripe, so just place them in a paper bag to ripen at home. If you're going to use them in our Upside-Down Plum Cake they should be firm to ripe so they hold the shapes when baked.
If you want to use zucchini, tomatoes, and corn in one dish, the Two-Cheese Corn Gratin is the perfect combination of all three.
What are your favorite late summer fruits and vegetables? Let me know in the comments.
-by Jessica Fox
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