What does summer taste like to you? Is it fresh basil picked from your grandmother’s garden? Your first time trying gelato on vacation? Or maybe a messy burger devoured hot off the grill?
With the right approach, summer can be more than just a few months when you crank up the AC and douse yourself in bug spray. Summer can also be a culinary journey into a world of new flavors, all while taking full advantage of bountiful seasonal produce and lazy cooking tricks. From no-cook dips to infused ice cubes, read on for some must-know little touches that will make you feel like you’re on summer vacation all year long.
Enhance your summer menu with local, seasonal produce
Fruits and vegetables just taste better when they’re in season. During summer in the United States, this means bright, juicy tomatoes, sweet strawberries and, of course, buttery summer corn. Seasonal produce often doesn’t need much work to taste delicious: a drizzle of olive oil here or a sprinkle of salt there is all you need to enhance those natural flavors.
If you’re at a loss for how to make the most of summer produce, try checking out a local farmer’s market or community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. The farmers will likely be able to tell you about where and how your food was grown — an experience that you definitely can’t get at the supermarket. Plus, farmers can help you find extra-fresh regional produce such as Washington cherries or Georgian peaches.
You might be able to score a bushel of summer fruits or veggies for a great price, allowing you to experiment with your harvest. For example, versatile berries can dress up your morning yogurt, upgrade a summer smoothie or simply be scooped up and eaten by the handful, grizzly-bear style. Or celebrate the start of summer by baking delicate, chewy strawberry shortcake cookies, the perfect treat for a summer picnic.
Quick pickles and savory jams
Ever find yourself wondering why restaurant food looks and tastes so good? Sometimes, a little bit of garnish, sauce or pickled vegetables is all you need to kick a plate up a notch. The good news is that pickling can be surprisingly easy — and it lets you preserve those summer flavors for year-round enjoyment.
If you’re a beginner in the world of brine, start with some simple sweet and spicy pickled red onions. Just 15 minutes in the kitchen will pay off in a crunchy, tangy jar of goodness that tastes perfect when layered on top of avocado toast or tacos. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll feel confident about pickling just about everything from avocado to zucchini and in between.
Another way to mix up your summer menu is by trying out savory jams. Tomato jam and bacon jam can be used as condiments for burgers when you’re looking for something a little fancier than mustard. Savory jams are also an excellent addition to cheese boards or sandwiches: a truly versatile summer treat.
Use no-cook sauces and dips to save time
If you’re in search of a summer snack but can’t stand to heat up your kitchen during an already hot day, try adding some no-cook sauces and dips to your repertoire. Pico de gallo is an easy-to-make dip that goes well with tortilla chips for a late-afternoon burst of freshness.
Or whip up a cool, refreshing Indian raita that pairs perfectly with spicy summer dinners — if you don’t devour it with leftover naan first, that is. Lemony, creamy and cheesy bean dip is another simple appetizer that will tide you over while you’re waiting for the grill to work its magic.
Infuse ice cubes into your summer beverages
During hot summer days, staying hydrated is key, so why not do it in style? Creating ice cubes that are infused with herbs, edible flowers or fruit juice will take your drinks to the next level this summer. Infused ice cubes will make any cocktail Instagram-worthy. They’re also the perfect way to enhance your iced tea and sparkling water, making any evening feel like an event.
If infusing ice cubes is too much fuss, you can also just put those garnishes directly into your drinks for a bit of extra flavor. It’s hard to go wrong, but some classic flavor pairings include refreshing cucumber and mint or tender basil and strawberry. Even a simple squeeze of citrus will make your drink just that little bit more special.
Summer delights
Fall brings with it pumpkin spice everything, winter is the perfect time for hearty stews, and spring brings the bountiful, beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables that are soon to come. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a place that’s warm all year long, don’t forget that summer days will be gone soon.
Those juicy peaches and sweet ears of corn will vanish from your kitchen, leaving behind only wishes for a little bit more warmth. So make the most of summer while it lasts: don’t overlook these cooking tips next time you’re contemplating dinner or headed out to do some grocery shopping.
They won’t just simplify your cooking routine. They’ll help you enjoy food in a way that is in sync with nature and all it has to offer. And that might just be what the perfect summer is all about.
Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled extensively to over 60 countries, and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Urban Farmie.