Fresh Maltese crops go from farm to table in a relatively short time when it comes to imported product's carbon footprint. Supporting local farmers will also preserve our country's agricultural landscape. 

Buying and eating local produce holds many benefits – not just for consumers, but also for local farmers.  

While a lot of vegetables grow all year round – such as tomatoes, peppers and red cabbages, in this list we will only be including the ones available till the end of August.

Here are some fruits and vegetables you can get your hands on this season.

 

1. Capers

Tangy, bitter and extremely flavourful, capers are mighty versatile and can be added to virtually any dish. They go well with fish, meat, red sauces and can be used to garnish bread or vegetables. They make a wonderful addition to tapenades, dips and sauces.

2. Strawberries

Best eaten fresh, these delectable fruits are a favourite for both adults and children alike. They also make an ideal companion for custards, creams, trifles, cakes, crepes and ice creams. 

3. Fava Beans 

Nutty, slightly sweet and a tad bit bitter, these beans can be used in a multitude of ways, and while dried varieties are available all year round, nothing beats a fresh batch of fava beans – especially when it comes to cooking up your own batch of bigilla at home. 

4. Apples

Apples are a wonderful treat both on their own or added to a dish. From pies to sweet bread, smoothies, bakes and cakes, apples are one of our most beloved kitchen ingredients. Apples also make a great crunchy addition to yoghurts, porridge and savoury salads.

5. Oranges

Juiced, fresh or dried, local oranges are heavenly, to say the least. You can use them to spruce up your salad, make lemonade or heaps of different desserts. 

6. Maltese June Pear

The bambinella is a satisfyingly sweet, bite-sized fruit that can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways. These flavoursome tiny pears can be poached, turned into jams or caramelised and served with cheese and honey. 

7. Black Mulberries

Mulberries are hands-down one of the most amazing fruits that our land has to offer. Seriously delicious, moreish and loved by almost everyone.

8. Plums

While most of us prefer eating these sweet fruits fresh, others love adding them to a range of dishes. From pies to cakes, crumbles, cereals and jams – plums, Victoria plums and cherry plums have a multitude of uses.

9. Figs

Figs come in three varieties; tin, ta San Gwann and tal-Farkizzan. Needless to say, all are mouthwateringly delicious. 

10. Melons & Watermelons

Both watermelons and melons are popular summer fruits – and for a good reason. These sugary fruits make for a pleasant dessert during the hot summer months. 

11. Peaches & Nectarines

Peaches and nectarines come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they're absolutely delicious.

12. Prickly Pears 

Ok, so prickly pears are one of the few things that make us look forward to Maltese summers. These palatable fruits are unique in flavour and highly nutritious.

13. Grapes

Packed with nutrients, highly beneficial and can prevent diabetes. Grapes are not only super appetising, but they can also present us with a choice of nutritional benefits. 

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