The tastes of summer were made for hot chicken. Our last blog explored tomatoes, corn, and peaches. This blog’s second part delves into watermelon, bell peppers, green beans, and squash, four more perfect companions to hot chicken.
Keep reading to learn about four five-star summer fruits and vegetables and how they partner with Nashville’s iconic dish. This summer, let your culinary creativity soar by experimenting with various produce.
Watermelon is the quintessential fruit of summertime. Its sweet, juicy flesh provides the perfect refreshment on a hot day.
Watermelons are in season during the warm summer months. Most regions harvest them in early summer and continue through early fall. The peak harvesting time is mid-summer when the melons are ripe and juicy.
Watermelon has numerous health benefits. It is high in vitamins A, B6, and C, providing good nutrients. Watermelon is also high in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease. The fruit is naturally low in calories and has a high water content, making it a hydrating choice.
There are many delicious ways to enjoy watermelon during its peak season. One classic summer recipe is watermelon salad with feta cheese and fresh mint. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the contrast of salty feta and refreshing mint. The salad makes a light accompaniment to fried chicken. Another idea is to make watermelon agua fresca, blending the fruit with water, lime juice, and a touch of sugar for a refreshing beverage. Watermelon also shines in fruit salsa recipes and combines with other summer produce like peaches, tomatoes, and corn. Taking advantage of in-season watermelon lets you enjoy its full, sweet flavor.
Bell peppers are a popular summer vegetable that pairs deliciously with hot chicken.
Seasonal Availability and Harvest Time
Bell peppers are warm-season crops that thrive in hot weather. In Tennessee, they are typically planted in late spring after the last frost and are ready for harvest by mid-to-late summer. The peak harvest time is July through September when the peppers are fully sized, plump, and brightly colored.
Bell peppers can be harvested while still green and allowed to ripen fully on the counter. Once ripe, they will turn red, orange, yellow, or purple depending on the variety. Ripe bell peppers are sweeter and have thinner walls than unripe green peppers.
Origins and History
Bell peppers originated in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. In the 15th century, Christopher Columbus introduced them to Spain and Portugal after he voyaged to the New World. From there, bell peppers spread throughout Europe and Asia.
The first bell pepper cultivars grown in Europe and the U.S. were blocky and squat in shape. In the 1920s and 30s, new cultivars emerged with the elongated, bell-like shape we know today. California and Florida became significant producers of bell peppers in the U.S. starting in the early 20th century.
Cooking Tips
Bell peppers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their sweet, mild flavor complements spicy fried chicken beautifully.
– Grilling bell peppers over high heat caramelizes their natural sugars and gives them a charred flavor. Try slicing peppers into planks and grilling until softened and charred on both sides.
– Stuff bell peppers with hot chicken, rice, cheese, beans, or other fillings for a delicious main course or side dish. Roast the stuffed peppers in the oven until tender.
– Thinly slice raw bell peppers and add them to salads, wraps, tacos, and burgers for a fresh crunch.
– Saute sliced or diced bell peppers with onions and garlic in olive oil. Add them to pasta, pizza, omelets, or on top of fried chicken.
Bell peppers hold up well when cooked and add great texture, color, and flavor to any hot chicken meal. Their versatility and seasonality make them a quintessential summer crop.
Green beans have a relatively short growing season, usually harvested in the summer between June and August. They increase, often ready to pick within 50-60 days after planting. Most regions’ peak season for fresh green beans falls in July and August.
Fun facts about green bean production:
– China is the world’s largest producer of green beans, accounting for about 35% of global production. India, Indonesia, Turkey, and Egypt are also significant producers.
Over 130 varieties of green beans are grown worldwide. Some popular types include Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, Provider, Contender, and Romano.
Green beans pair deliciously with Nashville hot chicken in recipes like:
– Green bean casserole – A classic comfort food made with green beans, creamy mushroom soup, fried onions, and spices. Delicious alongside spicy fried chicken.
Green bean salad: Toss fresh, raw green beans with vinaigrette, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. The crunch and acidity balance the heat.
– Sautéed green beans – Quickly sauté green beans in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
– Green bean succotash – Sauté green beans, corn, bell pepper, and onion. Season with cayenne and black pepper.
Green beans are a versatile classic summertime crop that adds color, crunch, and flavor contrast to Nashville’s hot chicken.
Squash is one of the most versatile summer vegetables, and it pairs deliciously with Nashville hot chicken. Many squash varieties come into season over the summer, each with a unique flavor, texture, and best uses.
Popular summer squash varieties include zucchini, yellow, pattypan, and crookneck. Zucchini is probably the most well-known, with its elongated green shape, mild flavor, and soft flesh when harvested young. Yellow squash is similar but has a vibrant yellow color and slightly firmer texture. Pattypan is a cute, flying saucer-shaped squash with scalloped edges. Crookneck squash has a curved, swan-like neck and bumpy, golden skin.
The peak season for summer squash runs from June through August. It grows on sprawling vines and is harvested while the rinds are still young and tender. At farmers’ markets, look for squash with unblemished, shiny skin and avoid any cuts, bruises, or soft spots. Squash should feel heavy for its size.
There are many tasty ways to cook summer squash to pair with your Nashville hot chicken. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness through caramelization. You can slice squash into 1/2-inch thick planks and grill over medium-high heat until tender and charred. Another classic preparation is pan-frying cubed or sliced squash until golden brown. Squash also shines when sautéed with fresh garlic and herbs or mixed into casseroles and sautés. The soft flesh even makes summer squash an ideal candidate for pickling.
Each fruit and vegetable highlighted has a peak growing season in summer and offers unique ways to complement the spicy, crunchy fried chicken. Hydrating watermelon and crisp bell peppers, all balance the heat. Their bright colors and textures also make for beautiful, delicious dishes.
Add one or more of these tasty, in-season produce items to your plate when frying or enjoying hot chicken this summer. Doing so supports local farmers, provides more nutrients, and takes the meal to the next level. Experiment with different produce and preparation methods to find your favorite pairings. The possibilities are endless when you match summer’s bounty with a Southern favorite.
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