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The Best Summer Fruits to Pair with Hot Chicken

the best summer fruits to pair with hot chicken1

Sweet and Juicy Summer Fruits in the South

Summer in the South is a season like no other. The warm weather, vibrant landscapes, and rich culin

For food enthusiasts and Nashville hot chicken lovers alike, pairing these fresh fruits with your meals can elevate the dining experience to a new level. Here’s a look at some of the South’s most popular summer fruits and how to incorporate them into your culinary adventures.

The Reign of Watermelon

Watermelon is a quintessential Southern summer staple, celebrated for its crisp texture and refreshing sweetness. Did you know this fruit is made of over 90% water, making it delicious and hydrating during sweltering summer days?

How to Enjoy It: Serve slices of chilled watermelon alongside Crimson Coward’s signature Nashville hot chicken. The watermelon’s natural sweetness is the ultimate palate cleanser after a fiery bite of spiced chicken. Or plan to have chilled watermelon waiting at home after Crimson Coward.

Quick Watermelon Tip

Selecting a perfectly ripe watermelon is easier than you think. Look for one with a creamy yellow spot (the part that rests on the ground) and give it a gentle knock. A deep, hollow sound means it’s ripe and ready to enjoy!

The Sweet Charm of Peaches

When summer arrives in the South, peaches become the season’s star. Known for their juicy texture and incredible sweetness, these golden fruits are often called “nature’s candy.” Georgia alone produces thousands of tons of peaches every year, cementing its title as the Peach State.

How to Enjoy It: Fresh peaches pair wonderfully with spicy flavors, making them an ideal companion for hot chicken. Slice peaches to garnish our Crimson Chicken Sandwich or whip up

a peach salsa to serve alongside your chicken tenders. The mix of sweet and heat creates an unforgettable flavor combo.

Pro Tip

To enjoy peaches at their peak, wait until they’re slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If they smell sweet and fragrant, they’re ready to eat or cook with!

Berries Galore

Early summer in the South is a berry lover’s dream, from strawberries to blackberries. These tiny fruits come packed with nutrients and a burst of flavor, perfect for snacking or incorporating into your favorite recipes.

How to Enjoy Them: Create a mixed berry salad with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries to pair with your favorite Nashville hot chicken meal. Or top your dessert with macerated berries for a sweet ending to a spicy meal.

Berry Fun Fact

Blackberries are considered one of the easiest fruits to grow in the South, thriving in the warm climate and abundant sunshine.

Versatile Melons

Beyond watermelon, the South’s cantaloupes and honeydews provide unique flavors and textures. Their subtle sweetness and floral notes make them a fantastic addition to savory dishes.

How to Enjoy Them: If you ever have leftovers, try pairing slices of melon with tangy goat cheese as an appetizer to complement your Crimson Coward chicken wing feast. The combination of sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors will delight your taste buds.

Did You Know?

Melons continue to ripen after being harvested, so buying them slightly firm can help you time their ultimate ripeness perfectly for your meal plans.

Enhance Your Nashville Hot Chicken Experience

At Crimson Coward, every meal is an experience. Pairing seasonal Southern summer fruits with the smoky, spicy flavors of Nashville hot chicken is a match made in culinary heaven. These fresh fruits contrast and help cool the heat for an incredibly balanced meal.

This summer, make the most of the freshest and most mouth-watering seasonal fruits. Whether enjoying watermelon wedges or topping your tenders with a tangy peach salsa, these fruits will bring brightness and flavor to your table.