Make the Most of Summer Produce at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham
June marks the official arrival of summer, bringing longer days, backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and some of the year’s most flavorful fruits and vegetables. It’s the perfect time to fill your kitchen with colorful seasonal produce that tastes great, supports healthy eating habits, and helps you create memorable meals for the whole family.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of fresh produce to help local families enjoy the best flavors of the season. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for fresh ingredients for weeknight dinners, June offers plenty of delicious options.
Here’s a closer look at some of the freshest produce to enjoy this month.
Sweet Summer Fruits to Add to Your Cart
Watermelon
Nothing says summer quite like watermelon. This juicy favorite is refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for hot Alabama afternoons. Enjoy it sliced, blended into smoothies, or tossed into salads for a burst of sweetness.
Peaches
June brings the start of peach season, making it one of the most anticipated fruits of the summer. Peaches are delicious fresh, grilled, baked into desserts, or added to salads for a sweet and savory combination.
Blueberries
Packed with flavor and antioxidants, blueberries are versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, and desserts. Add them to yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or enjoy them by the handful.
Cherries
Fresh cherries are a seasonal treat that many families look forward to every year. Their sweet flavor makes them a perfect snack, while their vibrant color adds appeal to fruit platters and desserts.
Cantaloupe
This sweet melon is another summertime favorite. Rich in vitamins and naturally refreshing, cantaloupe works well in fruit salads, smoothies, and healthy snacks.
Fresh Vegetables Perfect for Summer Meals
Sweet Corn
Fresh sweet corn is one of the highlights of June produce. Whether grilled, boiled, or added to salads, corn brings natural sweetness and texture to summer meals.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash
These versatile vegetables are staples for summer cooking. Grill them alongside your favorite proteins, roast them in the oven, or add them to pasta dishes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cucumbers
Cool and crisp cucumbers are ideal for summer salads, sandwiches, and infused water. They’re also a refreshing snack on their own.
Bell Peppers
Available in a variety of vibrant colors, bell peppers add crunch, sweetness, and nutrition to countless dishes. They’re excellent for grilling, stuffing, or slicing into salads.
Tomatoes
Summer tomatoes are known for their exceptional flavor. Use them in sandwiches, salads, burgers, and homemade salsas to make the most of the season.
Featured Summer Recipe: Watermelon, Blueberry & Feta Salad
If there’s one dish that captures the flavors of an Alabama summer, it’s a fresh watermelon salad. This colorful recipe combines juicy watermelon, sweet blueberries, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese for a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, family reunions, and weekend cookouts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions
- Combine the watermelon, blueberries, and cucumber in a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and fresh mint over the top.
- Drizzle with fresh lime juice.
- Gently toss and serve chilled.
Why It Works for Summer
This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with seasonal ingredients that shine during June. Watermelon helps keep you hydrated during hot Alabama days, while blueberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color. It’s a simple dish that pairs well with grilled burgers, barbecue, chicken, or seafood, making it a favorite for summer gatherings.
For the freshest ingredients, visit your local Piggly Wiggly Birmingham produce department and stock up on summer favorites while they’re in season.
Enjoy a refreshing summer watermelon blueberry feta salad made with crisp cucumber, fresh mint, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, healthy lunches, and seasonal gatherings.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Summer Produce
Look for Vibrant Colors
Bright colors often indicate peak freshness and flavor. Choose produce that looks vibrant and free from bruising or soft spots.
Store Produce Properly
Keep berries refrigerated, allow peaches to ripen on the counter, and store tomatoes at room temperature to maintain their best flavor and texture.
Shop with a Meal Plan
Planning meals before shopping helps reduce food waste and ensures you make the most of seasonal produce.
Freeze Extras
If you find yourself with extra fruit, consider freezing blueberries, peaches, or watermelon chunks for future smoothies and snacks.
Try Something New
Summer is a great time to expand your menu. Challenge your family to pick one new fruit or vegetable to try each week.
Bring Summer Freshness Home
The best summer meals start with quality ingredients. From juicy watermelon and sweet peaches to crisp cucumbers and garden-fresh tomatoes, June offers endless opportunities to enjoy seasonal flavors.
Visit your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham to explore our fresh produce selection and find inspiration for your next family meal. We look forward to helping you make the most of summer, one delicious recipe at a time.
For more seasonal tips, recipes, and grocery savings, visit thepigbham.com and follow along with #thepigbham.