The Sweet Taste of Summer in Every Bite

All year long, people look forward to the short but sweet summer fruit season. Some of the most popular of the fruits of the season are the stone fruits.  At the Watsonville Certified Farmers Market this week shoppers will find a lovely array of stone fruits, fresh off the trees.

Orange and fuzzy, apricots have a firm yet fleshy texture and a small pit inside. Apricots are delicious right off the tree. Apricots also can make a wonderful accompaniment to savory dishes. For a little extra effort, you can even make up an apricot jam or chutney. This takes a little more work but is well worth it. For the extra-adventurous, try drying some apricots. Sweet as candy, dried apricots can be enjoyed all year long.

Peaches, one of the most popular stone fruits, come in several varieties. This time of year the most common peaches available are clingstones, meaning the flesh clings to the pit. Semi-freestones will become available in mid to late June, followed by freestone peaches, which arrive in early July. Although not as popular as freestones, clingstone peaches are sweet and juicy. Look for fruit that is slightly soft, but not bruised or squishy. Once picked, peaches ripen fast. Peach cobblers, pies and tarts are great ways to eat up ripened peaches.

Smooth-skinned and spotted, nectarines are another popular stone fruit available this week. Similar to peaches in size and flavor, the nectarine’s smooth skin requires no peeling, making it a convenient snack fruit. Slice nectarines into salads or onto savory pork or beef dishes. Look for fruit with a bright color and a slight give. Avoid bruised, wrinkled or squishy fruit.

Other summer fruit available this week are cherries, strawberries and blackberries. Veggies this week are cucumbers, asparagus, peas, zucchini, and broccoli.

Shopping at the farmer’s market is a wonderful way to connect with your community, support local farmers, and eat seasonally.

Santa Fe Chilled Nectarine Soup

Makes 5 (1-cup) servings

Each serving equals 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables

Source: California Tree Fruit Agreement

 Ingredients

• 2 lbs (8 small) nectarines cut up
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup cranberry cocktail juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

Combine nectarines with juices, salt, pepper flakes and vinegar in electric blender. Whirl until smooth and blended. Add cilantro leaves and whirl in a stop-and-go fashion a few seconds, just to chop.

 The Watsonville Certified Farmer's Market is held 3-7 pm every Friday on the corner of Peck and Main streets. The market is open rain or shine.