Buy Local III: 12 Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables Available In Malta
by Chiara Micallef
Supporting local farmers by buying local produce can present you with many benefits. Not only will you be preserving the local agricultural landscape, but you'd be eating fresh fruit and vegetables with less carbon footprint.
While a lot of vegetables grow all year round – such as swiss chard, onions and mushrooms, in this list we will only be including the ones available between July and September.
Here are some fruits and vegetables you can get your hands on this season.
1. Long Marrows
Stuffed, baked, roasted or fried, long marrows are a great addition to several summer dishes thanks to their versatility and lightness.
2. Apricots
A sweet and delicious snack packed with nutrients that promote eye, skin and gut health. Apricots are loaded with potassium and antioxidants.
3. Figs
Figs, both tin and tal-farkizzan, are one of our ultimate favourite summer fruits. These delectable treats are full of iron, copper and magnesium.
4. Pears & June Pear
The bambinella is a tiny pear that's available from mid-summer through autumn, along with regular pears. They not only contain heaps of dietary fibre but both pears and June pears are high in vitamin C.
5. Fava Beans
Nothing beats a fresh batch of fava beans – especially when it comes to cooking up your batch of bigilla at home.
6. Melons & Watermelons
These two summer hits have been around since May, however, July/August is the best time to buy both melons and watermelons. It seems like the hotter it is, the sweeter these lovely fruits become.
7. Nectarines & Peaches
Nectarine, regular peaches and Santa Rosa peaches are rich in minerals, vitamins and vitamins. They're also great for anyone who might be suffering from an upset stomach as they're easy to digest.
8. Prickly Pears
Nutritious, flavourful and super sweet. What's not to love about these mouthwatering fruits? Prickly pears are known for their nutritional properties when eaten in moderation.
9. Plums
Plums, Victoria plums and cherry plums are all available to feast on this summer. These fruits can be eaten fresh or added to a choice of sweet dishes such as cakes and crumbles.
10. Grapes
Grapes are not only super appetising but they are also packed with super beneficial nutrients.
11. Black Mulberries
Mulberries (tut) are hands-down one of the most amazing fruits that our land has to offer. Seriously delicious, moreish and loved by almost everyone.
12. Strawberries
Strawberries are beloved by almost everyone. These fruits make great snacks, refreshing drinks and sweet desserts. Moreover, they're bursting with folate, manganese and potassium.