The Texas Summer Farmers Market Guide: What to Buy in June & July
June marks the sweet spot of Texas summer produce. The heat that makes August unbearable is, right now, just doing its job — ripening peaches in the Hill Country, swelling watermelons in the Rio Grande Valley, and pushing sweet corn to perfection across the Panhandle.
If you're going to visit one farmers market this summer, make it now. Here's exactly what to look for, how to pick the best, and the best ways to cook with each ingredient.
🍑 Texas Peaches
Texas peaches are a different category from supermarket peaches. They're picked ripe because they don't travel far, which means they're juicy, fragrant, and intensely sweet. Look for peaches with a deep yellow-orange background colour and a sweet smell at the stem end. They should give slightly under gentle pressure — if they're rock hard, they were picked too early and won't ripen well.
Use them in: our Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad, peach jam, peach galettes, or simply sliced over vanilla ice cream.
🍉 Watermelon
Texas is one of the top watermelon-producing states in the country, and summer is the season. Look for a watermelon with a creamy yellow spot on the bottom (where it rested on the ground while ripening) and a deep, hollow knock when you tap it. A dull, matte surface is better than a shiny one.
Use it in: our Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca, watermelon feta salad, or grilled watermelon steaks with tajín.
🌽 Sweet Corn
Fresh sweet corn should be eaten as soon as possible after picking — the sugars start converting to starch within hours. At the market, look for husks that are tight, green, and slightly moist. The silk should be pale gold, not brown and dried out. Peel back just the top inch of the husk to check — the kernels should be plump and milky.
Use it in: our Sweet Corn & Cherry Tomato Salad, elote, or corn chowder.
🍅 Heirloom Tomatoes
Summer heirloom tomatoes are the reason people garden. Unlike year-round supermarket tomatoes, heirlooms are grown for flavour, not shelf life. Look for heavy, fragrant tomatoes with irregular shapes — odd-looking is usually a good sign. Colours ranging from deep red to purple, orange, and striped green are all perfectly ripe.
Tips for Shopping at Texas Farmers Markets
- Go early for the best selection, but go late for deals — vendors often discount what's left.
- Bring cash — many vendors don't take cards.
- Bring your own bags and a cooler for hot days.
- Ask what was harvested that morning — freshness matters enormously with corn and tomatoes.
- Shop the whole market before buying — compare quality and prices across stalls.