The fruits and vegetables of June: sweet, colorful, and goodbye to oranges.
The first cherries appeared in May, but it’s in June that the most prized varieties arrive: the duroni from Vignola, those from Verona, and the cherries from Puglia. The first melons are ready to enjoy, while it’s still a bit early for watermelon. June also marks the start of peach season, especially white-fleshed varieties, and by the end of the month, apricots will make their appearance too. Among the berries available in June: raspberries and redcurrants. The season for asparagus, agretti, and artichokes has come to an end. But finally, high-quality tomatoes in every variety are here, along with the summer classics: zucchini, eggplants, and fragrant bell peppers. June is also the right time for the first cucumbers, as well as beans and peas. It’s the best season for lettuce—romaine, cabbage, lollo, and trocadero!
June is a generous month in the Euganean Hills, when nature fully embraces its summer rhythm and offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, grown according to tradition in a land rich in history and biodiversity.
Among the fruits, cherries stand out as the undisputed stars of this season. Local varieties such as Durone Nero and Sandra ripen thanks to the mild, sunny climate of the hills and are prized for their sweet, intense flavor. These cherries are distinguished by their unique characteristics, shaped by the volcanic soils of the region.
The Sandra cherry is a local variety from the Euganean Hills, likely the result of spontaneous selection. The Durone Nero dei Colli Euganei, on the other hand, originates from ancient varieties such as the Durone di Vignola. It is a large, round-oblate fruit with dark, almost black skin when fully ripe, very firm flesh, and a slightly aromatic taste. Ideal for eating fresh, it is also highly valued in fine pastry-making and used in liqueurs.
Cherries from the Euganean Hills are enjoyed fresh but are also used to make jams, preserves, candied fruits, and well-known liqueurs such as Maraschino. They are appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional value, being rich in minerals and natural sugars, yet low in calories. As for vegetables, June marks the end of the spring cycle for peas, fava beans, and Swiss chard. Many local farms also grow lettuce, fresh onions, carrots, and garlic—often using organic or integrated farming methods.
June, then, is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal produce, perhaps paired with a glass of local wine such as Fior d’Arancio or Serprino, both typical of the area.
