"Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends." - Unknown
Welcome to The Senses of Summer: Savory & Sweet, the final installment of our “The Senses of Summer” blog series. In this edition, we’ll tantalize your taste buds as we explore the savory and sweet culinary delights and edibles that the summer season has to offer. Get ready to embark on a journey of flavors and savor the best of what summer has in store for our palates.
Abundance of Edible Delights
Summer brings an abundance of edible treasures, from sweet fruits and savory vegetables to aromatic herbs and even delicate edible flowers. Take advantage of this bountiful season and explore a wide variety of flavors. The summer harvest offers a diverse range of ingredients to please every taste bud.
Exploring Unique Flavors
One of the joys of summer is the opportunity to indulge in refreshing salads bursting with crisp vegetables and juicy fruits. Dive into a world of flavor combinations by incorporating tangy citrus, sweet berries, and crunchy vegetables in your salads. Explore the art of grilling with smoky meats and vegetables, infusing them with tantalizing aromas and distinctive tastes. And for those with a sweet tooth, summer is the time for fruity desserts that showcase the natural sweetness of seasonal produce.
Plants with Flavor
Why not try your hand at growing your own herbs and edible plants? Create a small garden plot or utilize containers on your patio or balcony to cultivate a range of flavors right at your fingertips. Imagine plucking a handful of fresh basil leaves or snipping aromatic rosemary straight from your garden to elevate your dishes.
Here are some of Flowerland’s sweet and savory homegrown summer edibles.
Sweet to Taste
Blueberries – Enjoy them as a sweet and juicy snack. Toss them into salads. Blend them into smoothies or use them as a delightful topping for pancakes and desserts.
Peaches – Slice them for a refreshing fruit salad. Grill them for a caramelized flavor. Use them in fruit cobblers or pies. Create a peach salsa to complement grilled meats.
Tomatoes – Add them to fresh Caprese salads or your favorite sandwich. Make a classic tomato sauce for pasta dishes. Or simply sprinkle them with a pinch of salt for a tasty snack.
Peas – Incorporate them into pasta dishes, risottos, or fried rice. Add them in savory pies or fritters. Or enjoy them as a side dish with a drizzle of butter.
Carrots – Enjoy them raw as a crunchy and healthy snack. Roast them with honey and herbs. Add them in soups or stews. Grate them for a vibrant carrot cake.
Lemon Balm – Infuse it into lemonades or herbal teas for a refreshing citrus twist. Inject flavor into desserts like sorbets or fruit salads. Or add it to salads and dressings for a zesty touch.
Savory to Taste
Radish – Slice them into salads for a peppery crunch. Pickle them for a tangy side dish. Or use them as a colorful garnish for various dishes.
Green Onions – Chop them for a fresh and flavorful addition to salads. Sprinkle them over soups or baked potatoes. Sauté them with other vegetables for a savory stir-fry.
Eggplant – Grill or roast them for a delicious and hearty main dish. Use them in eggplant Parmesan or moussaka. Make creamy baba ganoush for a tasty dip.
Basil – Make classic pesto by blending it with pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Include it as a fragrant topping for pizzas. Or layer it with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella in a Caprese salad.
Cilantro – Add it to guacamole or salsa for a burst of freshness. Use it as a garnish for tacos or Asian-inspired dishes. Or blend it into a zesty cilantro-lime dressing.
Sage – Fry sage leaves in butter for a crispy and flavorful garnish. Season roasted meats like chicken or pork with it. Make savory sage-infused butter for pasta dishes.
Summertime Recipes
To make the most of the seasonal flavors, we’ve curated a selection of delicious summer recipes from some of our favorite Gourmet Food Collections.
Stonewall Kitchen
Dessert Fondue
Stonewall Kitchen
Lemon Cucumber Agua Fresca
Stonewall Kitchen
Blueberry Stuffed French Toast
Stonewall Kitchen
Apple Sugar Plum Dutch Baby
Frontier Soups by Anderson House
Ohio Valley Vegetable Soup
- To boost vegetables, add 1 1/2 cups yellow summer squash and/or 1 1/2 cups celery with pasta for the final ten minutes of cooking.
- To reduce sodium: use a low-sodium broth, bone broth, or stock.
- For added protein: add a can of your favorite bean (black, chickpea, navy, etc), chicken breast, or other plant-based protein option.
- For added nutrition: look in your fridge/garden and add any vegetables you have on hand!
B.T. Leigh’s
Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
B.T. Leigh’s
Creamy Cucumber Salad
B.T. Leigh’s
Summer Vinaigrette
Terrapin Ridge Farms
Pesto Aioli Caprese Toothpicks
Terrapin Ridge Farms
Green Beans with Garlic, Herb and Balsamic
Summer is a time to celebrate the vibrant and delectable flavors that nature offers us. Embrace the sensory experience of taste and explore the culinary possibilities that this season brings. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp summer salad, savoring the smoky goodness of grilled dishes, or indulging in fruity desserts, let the flavors of summer take center stage in your kitchen. Join us in savoring the delights of summer and let your taste buds dance with joy.
