5 in season fruits & vegetables: June edition

June is coming in HOT, like literally. How is it summer already and are we halfway through the year? A new season means a new list of seasonal fruits and vegetables. And this time, we are bringing you all the sweetness and juiciness to help quench the thirst. With fruits that taste like candy and a vegetable that is so versatile and delicious, we hope you enjoy this summer’s ‘fruitful’ compilation of produce. 

西瓜 Watermelon

In season between the months of May to September.

Did you know that the watermelon is 90% water? But the fruit is not just about hydration. Watermelon is a nutrient powerhouse, boasting essential vitamins like vitamin C (a single cup can provide you with 15% of your daily needs). But that's not all! It also contains vitamin A, B6, and key minerals like potassium. What's truly great about this fruit is that you can enjoy every bit of it—including the seeds and rinds. Yes, you heard that right! Don't toss them aside too quickly. In fact, the rinds have additional health perks that the red flesh doesn't offer. They are lower in sugar and higher in fibre content, making them a fantastic addition to your watermelon feast. So, the next time you take a bite into this enormous ball of fruity goodness, remember to savour the rinds too and unlock a whole new level of nourishment and fun.

With this in mind, we of course had to share zero-waste watermelon recipes:
Watermelon Basil Sorbet
Watermelon Rind Pickle

黃皮 Wampee

In season between the months of June to July.

Did you know that the watermelon is 90% water? But the fruit is not just about hydration. Watermelon is a nutrient powerhouse, boasting essential vitamins like vitamin C (a single cup can provide you with 15% of your daily needs). But that's not all! It also contains vitamin A, B6, and key minerals like potassium. What's truly great about this fruit is that you can enjoy every bit of it—including the seeds and rinds. Yes, you heard that right! Don't toss them aside too quickly. In fact, the rinds have additional health perks that the red flesh doesn't offer. They are lower in sugar and higher in fibre content, making them a fantastic addition to your watermelon feast. So, the next time you take a bite into this enormous ball of fruity goodness, remember to savour the rinds too and unlock a whole new level of nourishment and fun.

Here is a fun recipe to enjoy the wampee fruit:
Wampee braised goose Cantonese style

荔枝 Lychee

In season between the months of May to June.

Get ready to indulge the wonders of lychee. This exotic fruit hails from China and is a true gem with its one-of-a-kind appearance and flavour. With its vibrant red and bumpy skin, the lychee has earned its playful nickname of "alligator strawberry." Once you peel back its skin, you will discover a juicy white flesh that exudes a delightful fragrance and sweetness, accompanied by floral notes. The versatility of lychee knows no bounds as it can be savoured on its own or become the star ingredient in tropical fruit salads, cocktails, juices and desserts. You can also opt for transforming the fruit into a simple heavenly syrup by boiling it with sugar and water.

For a refreshing summer treat, why not try making this delicious lychee and lime sorbet!

熱情果 Passion Fruit

In season between the months of May to February.

The passion fruit, also known as grenadilla, is a nutritious and increasingly popular fruit. Although small, it packs a punch of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, and other beneficial plant compounds. With its tough outer rind and a juicy, seed-filled centre, each bite is a burst of tropical goodness. You'll find passion fruit in various sizes and colours, whether a vibrant purple or yellow shell to catch your eye, but it's the delectable interior that truly steals the show.

For a unique way to celebrate the passion fruit, try out our favourite passion fruit tart recipe.

豆角 Long Bean

In season between the months of April to September.

The long beans, are also known as yard-long beans or Chinese snake beans. These versatile legumes, originating from Asia and commonly featured in Southeast Asian cuisine, are a true delight for your taste buds whilst offering numerous health benefits. Long beans are nutritional and packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and iron. What sets them apart is their remarkable length, stretching up to an impressive thirty inches. For optimal flavour and texture, it is best to harvest them when they measure between twelve and eighteen inches. When it comes to taste, long beans bring a unique grassy and slightly sweet flavour with a more pronounced bean taste compared to regular green beans.

Enjoy these long beans following this recipe of spicy stir-fried long beans.