By Amanda Rose Newton
Summer in Central Florida is a vibrant time for fruit lovers. The warm climate provides the perfect conditions for a variety of fruits to ripen.
Here’s a guide to help you determine when our favorite tropical fruits are ripe, what to look for when picking them, and the best ways to enjoy these seasonal delights.
1. Mangoes
Ripeness Indicators: Mangoes are ripe when they are slightly soft to the touch and emit a sweet, fruity aroma at the stem. The skin color can vary, but a mix of red, orange, and yellow hues is common.
Picking Tips: Gently squeeze the mango. If it yields slightly without being mushy, it’s ready to pick. Avoid mangoes with dark spots or blemishes.
Best Use: Mangoes are perfect for fresh eating, smoothies, salsas, and salads. They also make excellent desserts like mango sorbet or chutney.
2. Lychees
Ripeness Indicators: Lychees are ready to harvest when their skin turns from green to a vibrant red or pink. The fruit should be firm but slightly yielding to pressure.
Picking Tips: Twist the fruit off the tree gently to avoid damaging the branches. Look for uniform color and avoid any lychees with cracks or browning.
Best Use: Lychees are best enjoyed fresh. They can also be used in fruit salads, desserts, or even in cocktails for a refreshing twist.
3. Avocados
Ripeness Indicators: Florida avocados, also known as green-skin avocados, are ripe when they give slightly to gentle pressure. Unlike their Hass counterparts, they remain green even when ripe.
Picking Tips: Gently press near the stem. If it yields slightly, it’s ready. The stem should also come off easily when the fruit is ripe.
Best Use: Avocados are versatile. Use them in guacamole, salads, sandwiches, or as a topping for toast. They’re also great in smoothies for a creamy texture.
4. Papayas
Ripeness Indicators: A ripe papaya will have skin that is mostly yellow with a slight orange hue. It should feel slightly soft to the touch.
Picking Tips: Gently twist the papaya off the stem. Avoid fruits with too many green patches or those that feel overly soft or have blemishes.
Best Use: Papayas are delicious when eaten fresh. They can also be added to fruit salads, smoothies, or used to make refreshing papaya juice.
5. Pineapples
Ripeness Indicators: Pineapples are ripe when they have a strong, sweet aroma at the base, and the skin is a golden yellow color. The fruit should be firm but give slightly when pressed.
Picking Tips: Look for pineapples with fresh green leaves and a vibrant color. Avoid those with brown leaves or soft spots.
Best Use: Fresh pineapple is fantastic on its own or in fruit salads. It’s also great for grilling, adding to salsas, or blending into tropical drinks.
6. Guavas
Ripeness Indicators: Guavas are ripe when their skin changes from green to yellow and they emit a fragrant aroma. The fruit should be slightly soft to the touch.
Picking Tips: Gently twist the guava from the stem. Avoid fruits with blemishes or overly soft spots.
Best Use: Did you know that Guavas have one of the higher protein counts of any fruit? Enjoy guavas fresh, or use them to make guava paste, jams, or as an addition to fruit salads. They are also excellent in desserts and smoothies.
Tips for Harvesting and Storing Summer Fruits
Harvest in the Morning: Picking fruits early in the morning ensures they are at their freshest and coolest, which helps maintain their quality.
Handle with Care: Fruits bruise easily, so handle them gently. Use a basket or container with soft padding to prevent damage during picking.
Refrigerate When Necessary: Some fruits, like avocados and lychees, benefit from refrigeration to extend their shelf life. Others, like mangoes and papayas, can be kept at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerated.
Enjoying Your Summer Harvest
Summer fruits are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. From fresh eating to incorporating them into your favorite recipes, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Smoothies and Juices: Blend your favorite fruits with some ice and a bit of honey for a refreshing summer drink.
Salsas and Salads: Add chopped fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and avocados to salsas or salads for a burst of flavor.
Desserts: Use fruits like lychees and papayas to create light and refreshing desserts such as sorbets, fruit tarts, or parfaits.
Grilling: Pineapples and mangoes can be grilled for a delicious, caramelized treat that pairs well with meats or can be enjoyed on their own.
Embrace the abundance of summer fruits in Central Florida and make the most of your harvest by knowing when they are perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy.
