What’s in season this summer

Summer in South Africa is truly unmatched! There’s tons to love about this time of year: the bubbling excitement as we eagerly count down to the festive season, the year-end leave, the school holidays, days at the beach or park, and of course, the endless bounty of fresh summer produce the season has to offer. With an impressive variety of seasonal fruit and veg at its peak, we can enjoy the flavours of summer while supporting sustainable farming practices. Here’s what’s currently in season in Woolworths stores – and a few delicious recipes that make the most of what’s in season this summer.

Fruit

Stone fruit

Stone fruit is one of the season's highlights, with peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries and apricots coming into their own. The warm, sunny days and cooler nights create ideal conditions for this fruit to develop its sweet flavours and vibrant colours. Local farmers are increasingly adopting better farming practices, such as those outlined in Woolworths' Farming for the Future initiative, which focuses on responsible farming techniques that enhance biodiversity and protect natural resources. When you bite into this juicy fruit, you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat; you’re also supporting sustainable agriculture.

Recipe for spiced poached peaches here

Berries

Berries are also making a splash this season, with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries ripe for the picking. The combination of cooler mornings and sunny afternoons allows all these berries to flourish, resulting in intense flavour and sweetness. Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into your favourite recipes, berries are a much-loved treat. Pair fresh strawberries with basil for a refreshing salad, or mix blueberries into a batch of pancakes for a tasty breakfast. And don't let them go to waste: if you’ve got berries that are a bit past their best, consider freezing them for smoothies or baking, or whip up a berry sauce to drizzle over desserts.

Recipe for blueberry frangipane here

Mangoes

Mangoes are another seasonal favourite and they’re at their peak right now. Sustainable farming practices are becoming more common among mango growers, and Woolworths plays a key role by sourcing mangoes from farmers who use efficient water management techniques. This commitment to sustainable practices not only ensures the quality of the mangoes, but also supports the responsible use of resources in our agricultural sector. Ripe mangoes are fantastic with coconut, lime, or even paired with spicy chilli for a refreshing salsa. And if you encounter green mangoes, don’t fret! You can pickle them to make home-made atchar that pairs beautifully with curries or grilled meat.

Recipe for rice noodle salad with mango here

Tomatoes

When it comes to choosing the one summer staple we simply can't do without, our pick might just be tomatoes. With a wide variety of types available from juicy Roma to bite-sized cherry, the tomatoes of high summer combine rich flavour with appealing colour. Woolworths collaborates with local farmers who implement sustainable practices to cultivate this beloved fruit, focusing on crop rotation and reduced pesticide use. Additionally, Woolworths’ cold chain technology ensures that tomatoes are stored and transported at optimal temperatures, preserving their freshness and flavour from farm to shelf. When they're at their very best, pair tomatoes with fresh basil and mozzarella for a classic Caprese salad. For tomatoes that are just starting to soften or are slightly overripe, consider roasting them to enhance their sweetness and blitzing them into a rich sauce for pasta or pizza, or toss them into a hearty vegetable soup.

Recipe for tomatoes on toast here

Melons

From green melons to watermelons to spanspek, melons are absolute classics. Watermelon, with its vibrant red or pink flesh and high water content, is incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. Papaya is characterised by its orange flesh, which pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savoury dishes. And green melon, with its smooth, pale green skin and juicy flesh, offers a milder taste that can complement a variety of flavours.

The combination of warm days and careful irrigation helps melons stay juicy and flavourful. Many local farms prioritise sustainability through composting and crop diversity, promoting soil health while producing refreshingly sweet fruit. If you find yourself with leftover melon, try blending it into a summer smoothie or make a chilled melon soup with a hint of mint. Melons pair beautifully with brined cheeses such as halloumi and feta, adding a salty contrast that enhances their natural sweetness. Toss some diced melon with crumbled feta, fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil for a light, summery salad that highlights the season’s bounty.

Recipe for melon “chess” salad here

Granadillas

Often overlooked and underused, granadillas are a unique fruit in the summer produce line-up. Their sweet-tart flavour and distinctive texture make them a fantastic addition to smoothies or desserts. By choosing locally sourced granadillas, you’re supporting farmers who are committed to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Enjoy granadillas on their own, swirl the fruit through double-cream yoghurt and top with toasted slivered almonds for a simple dessert option, or use them to brighten up a fruit salad.

Recipe for granadilla tart here

Vegetables

Sweet peppers

The crisp texture and naturally sweet flavour of peppers make them a summer produce favourite for salads, stir-fries and roasting. South African farmers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as companion planting and organic pest control, which enhance both the quality and safety of these vibrant vegetables. If you have a surplus of sweet peppers, try roasting them and blitzing them into a sauce, or make a zesty pepper salsa to accompany grilled meat. They also pair beautifully with feta for a tasty summer salad.

Recipe for red pepper tarte tatin here

Radicchio

Radicchio is known for its striking deep purple-red leaves with white veins. This eye-catching colour not only makes it a beautiful addition to any dish, but is also a signifier of its robust flavour profile. Its slightly bitter taste provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of summer fruit and vegetables, making radicchio a versatile ingredient in both salads and cooked dishes. When raw, it has a crisp texture and a peppery bite, while cooking it can mellow its bitterness and enhance its natural spicy sweetness. Radicchio is fantastic when grilled and paired with balsamic glaze, or tossed into a hearty pasta dish. For a refreshing salad, try combining it with citrus segments and nuts to balance its bold flavour.

Recipe for pork chops with caponata here

Baby marrow

Baby marrow is at its very best in summer, showcasing its delicate, tender texture and subtle flavour. It has smooth, pale green skin and a slightly sweet, mild taste that makes it a favourite for many. In addition to baby marrow, don’t overlook patty pans, another summer squash that’s in season. Patty pans are small and disc-shaped with scalloped edges, often found in shades of pale green or yellow. They have a slightly nutty flavour and a tender texture that works well when roasted or grilled. When lightly cooked, baby marrows retain their crispness, making them ideal for grilling or stir-frying. They can also be enjoyed raw in salads, adding a refreshing crunch. If you have baby marrow that’s a bit less than fresh, consider spiralling it into “noodles” for a fun and healthy twist on pasta, or include it in a ratatouille for a flavour-packed vegetable medley.

Recipe for lemony garlic marinated baby marrows here

Asparagus

Another true seasonal classic, asparagus is at its best during the summer months, boasting a tender yet crisp texture and a fresh, earthy flavour that will brighten up many dishes. It's a delightful addition to salads and stir-fries, and works well as a braai starter or side. For a simple, light and elegant supper, toss grilled asparagus with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, and top with a poached egg. Its versatility allows it to shine in a variety of summer meals, from light salads to hearty pastas, and it's as perfect for festive gatherings as it is for casual family dinners.

Recipe for asparagus with anchovy butter here

Artichokes

Artichokes are a unique and delicious addition to summer produce. Typically harvested during the warmer months, their peak season runs from November to March in South Africa, making summer the ideal time to enjoy this culinary gem. They thrive in the warm, sunny conditions that summer provides, which enable the artichoke buds to develop fully before being picked. They're grown primarily in regions with well-drained soil and a temperate climate, which helps produce tender, flavourful buds.

These vibrant veggies are available for a limited time and should be enjoyed while they’re fresh. When selecting artichokes, look for firm, tightly packed buds with a deep green hue: this indicates freshness and quality. Artichokes can be steamed, grilled or roasted, and they pair beautifully with lemon, garlic and herbs, adding a unique flavour profile to salads, pastas and antipasto platters. Whether dipped into home-made aioli or simply steamed and served with a squeeze of lemon, artichokes are a delightful way to elevate your summer meals.

Recipe for warm artichoke dip here

Summer produce offers a wide range of delicious fruits and vegetables, each with unique flavours and characteristics. Gather friends and family for al fresco meals filled with colourful salads, grilled veggies, and light, refreshing dishes that highlight the very best the warm weather has to offer. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or sticking to cherished favourites, this seasonal bounty is a reminder of nature’s generosity.