June is one of the most exciting times of year for all of us local food lovers on Cape Cod! The days are continuing to get longer, the weather is warming up, and the first signs of summer are popping up at local farmers markets, backyard gardens, and farm stands. Whether you are growing your own vegetables in your garden or shopping local, this is the season when things start to get really delicious.
While July and August get all the attention for tomatoes and corn, early summer has plenty to offer. June is all about fresh greens, crisp radishes, the first sweet strawberries, and lots of herbs that bring many recipes to life. It is the perfect time to enjoy simple, seasonal cooking that highlights just how good fresh produce can taste.
Let’s take a closer a look at what is in season right now and explore a few ideas to help you make the most of our Cape Cod produce this June!
Lettuce and Leafy Greens
If you are growing vegetables at home or picking up fresh produce locally, greens are likely the first thing you will see. Lettuce, kale, arugula, spinach, and Swiss chard all do really well in the cooler temperatures of spring and early summer. By June, they are ready to eat.
Greens are a great base for salads, but they are also easy to cook. Try sautéing kale or chard with garlic and olive oil or tossing spinach into pasta right before serving. Arugula adds a peppery bite to sandwiches or homemade pizzas, and tender butter lettuce makes a great wrap for grilled chicken or tuna salad.
Agway Tip: If you are growing greens yourself, pick them early in the morning when they are crispest. And remember to wash thoroughly, especially if they came straight from the garden.
Radishes and Spring Onions
These early root vegetables add crunch and color to your meals. Radishes are quick-growing and show up early in the summer season with their rich red and pink skins. They are delicious sliced thin over salads or dipped in hummus for a simple snack. You can even roast them for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
Spring onions (those young, green-topped onions) can be another early summer treat. They have a milder taste than regular onions and are perfect for grilling or tossing into stir fries and salsas.
Agway Tip: Chop spring onions and mix with cream cheese or sour cream for an easy dip. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies for a laid-back appetizer.
Summer Strawberries
Cape Cod strawberries are a highlight of June and we’ve already started seeing the beginnings of these fresh berries in our local grocery stores. The local strawberries are smaller and sweeter than the ones you might find in the grocery store off-season, and they are definitely worth the wait. Pick-your-own strawberry fields usually open in mid to late June, depending on the weather.
Eat them fresh, slice them into a salad, bake them into muffins or shortcakes, or freeze a few for smoothies later on. They are also a favorite for kids and a great way to introduce little ones to the joys of seasonal eating.
Agway Tip: Keep an eye out for local pick-your-own farms like Tony Andrews Farm in East Falmouth or Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis. Freshly picked strawberries don’t last long, so enjoy them within a day or two. Check the schedules for both of these farms before you make the trip.
Fresh Herbs
June is a great time to start using fresh herbs from the garden or the farm stand. Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, dill, and chives are usually ready by now and can completely change the flavor of a dish.
Chop up herbs and mix into butter, sprinkle over roasted vegetables, blend into dressings, or muddle into drinks for a refreshing twist. Mint and basil both love warm weather and will keep growing all summer long if you give them enough sun and water.
Agway Tip: If you are short on space, herbs grow really well in containers. Place a few small pots near your kitchen door or on a sunny windowsill so you can snip what you need while cooking.
Snap Peas and Sugar Snap Peas
These crunchy sweet vegetables are another early summer favorite. Snap peas grow quickly in the cooler weather and are usually ready to harvest in June, much like the Swiss chard. Eat these peas raw as a snack, toss them into salads, or add them to stir fries. Kids especially love them because they are fun to eat and naturally sweet.
If you are growing peas at home, be sure to pick them regularly to encourage more growth.
What to Plant Now
Even though June is already delivering fresh produce, it is not too late to keep planting! Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, beans, and basil can all be planted in early June for harvest later in the summer. Don’t miss out on this gardening opportunity!
If you are shopping at any of our Agway Cape Cod locations, we have veggie starts, seed packets, organic soil, raised beds, and everything else you need to get your garden growing strong. Plus, our staff of gardening experts are always happy to help answer questions about what grows best on the Cape.
Enjoy the June Produce While It’s Here
June is the beginning of the best time of year for fresh food on Cape Cod. Whether you are picking herbs from your patio, grabbing greens at the farmers market, or slicing up fresh strawberries for an afternoon snack, there are so many ways to enjoy the season.
Cooking in early summer does not need to be fancy. When the ingredients are fresh and local, even the simplest meals can taste amazing. Keep things light, eat what’s in season, and enjoy the start of summer one bite at a time.