It’s safe to say this peach and fig salad…
#Lettucebowandsay “FIGured itself out”
Sadly, Summer is coming to an end. I read this quote recently that said something along the lines of “Summer is for extroverts and Autumn is for introverts.” Summer is an explosion of outdoor activities and social gatherings, while Autumn is a cozy morning at home sipping coffee and reading a book.
Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE Summer. I love the warmth, I love the seasonal produce (which if you haven’t already check out my page dedicated to seasonal produce) and I do love the social gatherings especially those that effortlessly slip into the Summer night sky. But, there is something so special about that shift into Autumn and as an introvert, I crave those cozier days that encourage self-exploration. The seasons are about ready to shift. Until then, let’s soak up this last but of summer goodness.
In perfect lettuce fashion: with a double fruit bearing salad. Peaches have been on my hot list all summer and August means FIGS! Before we get into the lettuce goodness…let’s learn a little bit more about peach and fig varieties.
Peach and Fig Varieties
Peaches
I’ve been loving peaches this summer more than ever before. Check out all my other peach recipes by clicking the link above.
There are hundreds of peach varieties found around the world. Here are some of the most popular and why:
- Babcock: Small to medium in size, white-fleshed and on the tarter side. These peaches require additional sugar for sweetening for baking recipes.
- Donut peaches: Flatter and shaped like saucers, giving them their name. They are medium in size but, despite what their name may suggest, are not significantly sweeter than other varieties.
- Early Amber: Have orange-yellow flesh and are picked early in the season, hence their name.
- Arctic Supreme: Self-pollinating peaches that have white flesh and red skin and are famed for their excellent taste.
- Elberta: Self-fertile and omnipresent in Georgia. These freestone peaches are large and have golden yellow skin.
- Belle of Georgia: A freestone, white-fleshed peach. They are large and have a very juicy taste.
- Nectarines: Nectarines are a genetic mutation of peaches that do not have fuzz. They are yellow flesh peaches known for their sweet flavor and smooth skin.
Figs
Figs also have many varieties but they’re a bit harder to find. For this salad I used Adriatic figs because I saw them from a far in Whole Foods. I was so excited to find a variety other than Black Mission, but honestly didn’t even know what they were or how they differed. Below are the most common fig varieties:
- Adriatic: These pale green to pale yellow figs are sometimes called “white figs” for their light color. Adriatic figs are harvested in June and again in August. Their super-sweet nature means they work particularly well as a simple fruit dessert all on their own.
- Black Mission: These figs are the most common found in grocery stores and are extremely sweet (sometimes they even ooze a bit of syrup, which you should take as a very good sign when picking or buying them).
- Brown Turkey: Brown Turkey figs have brownish-dark purple skin, a milder flavor than other figs, and are noticeably less sweet than the similar-looking Black Mission figs.
- Calimyrna: Calimyrna figs are large compared to other figs and have greenish, slightly golden skin. They have striking pink insides that are made more striking by the contrast with their exteriors.
- Kadota: Kadota figs have light green skin with pale interiors that are less sweet than other figs.
Sumac Balsamic Vinaigrette
If you’re thinking…Sumac?? Bear with me.
It has a similar smell and taste to lemon but isn’t quite as sour. Sumac is widely used as an acidulant and similar to salt, it brings out the natural flavors of the foods it is cooked with. Hence the inspiration to add the this dressing – to bring out the natural peach and fig flavors as well as the natural flavors of the arugula and basil greens.
Peach and Fig Salad + Sumac Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Sumac Balsamic Vinaigrette (enough for ~2 salads):
- 1/4 EVOO
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tsp Agave
- 1/4 tsp Sumac
The Salad:
- Arugula
- 1 Peach (cut into eighths)
- 2 Figs (quartered)
- Almonds (dry roasted; sliced)
- Basil (fresh; whole leaf)
Instructions
Sumac Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Mix all ingredients together with a whisk or good shake.
The Salad:
- Cut your fruit.
- Add your greens, fruit, almonds and basil.
- Then top off with your dressing. And it's as simple as that 🙂
August Seasonal Fruits + Veggies
used in this recipe:
Click to find more recipes with these ingredients!