Summer produce guide — what's freshest right now

Athens farmers market — Keep reading for all things summer produce. (Tuesday Farmers Market at Meridianville via Facebook)

As summer reaches its peak, the Rocket City’s farmers markets are filled with a wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce. Wherever you’re shopping, it’s important to stay in the know about what is and is not in season — it can make your beloved recipes that much better.

Whether you’re planning a fresh salad, a fulfilling picnic or simply looking to reconnect with nature, keep reading to learn about the freshest produce available this summer in North Alabama:

What produce is fresh this month?

summer produce — There are plenty of great farmers markets around town. (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

Here’s what produce is freshest this July in North Alabama:

Fruits:
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew Melon
- Peaches
- Plums
- Watermelon
Vegetables:
- Beets
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Green Beans
- Lima Beans
- Okra
- Summer Squash
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini

Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Seasonal Produce Guide for more information about what else is fresh this summer. If you’re looking for fun recipes to try out based on these ingredients, check out their Summer Recipes page.

The Huntsville area is home to many amazing farmers markets open right now, including Ayers Farm Farmers Market, Oakwood Farms Market, The Greene Street Market at Nativity and more.

A look ahead at fall’s produce guide

Women buying flowers at Food + Culture Fest in Birmingham — Fall is a great time for vegetables like squash and pumpkins. (Andi Rice)

It’s always a good idea to stay prepared and aware of what will be in season this fall. The following produce is the most fresh in the fall in North Alabama:

Leafy greens — brussels sprouts, collard greens, lettuce + more
Cruciferous vegetables — broccoli + cauliflower
Root vegetables — ginger, parsnips, radishes + more
Fruits — grapes, pears + pomegranates
Vegetables — mushrooms, peas, pumpkin + winter squash

Stay tuned for a more detailed list this fall on what you should grab on your next farmers market run. For a closer look at how you can best care for your at-home gardens year-round, visit the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) guide to the Alabama Gardener’s Calendar.

Want guides like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter today.