Last Call for Cherries

Pretty much last call for cherries, but how can we be sorry with peaches and nectarines rolling in? This week the fruits of high summer start making their appearance: above all the melons (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, French Breakfast, butterscotch. . . . )

On the vegetable side of the equation, the peppers are starting their fiery rule: mostly sweet and green varieties just now (Hungarians, banana peppers) but some hot little jalapeños as well.

Basil's arriving by the bushel, as are tomatoes, including dozens of heirloom varieties: Get some good olive oil, a ball of fresh mozzarella, some basil, and have yourself a tomato tasting. Apricots are at the height of their short season now; look for the smaller, firmer, tarter varieties if you plan to cook or can; the big fat fuzzy ones cook up to a tasteless mush. Transparent apples are in good supply; this was the original summer pie apple. If you don't want to bother with rolling out crust, do a cobbler or pandowdy. You'll be very glad you did.

food@seattleweekly.com