With summer fast approaching, thoughts of refreshing fruits have popped into my mind. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a crisp, light, delicious snack when it’s hot outside. And, this time of year, a variety of fruits are available. What are your favorites?

1. Watermelons – They are a favorite summer companion. In fact, they’re my personal favorite. Try them topped with feta cheese or perhaps add it to ceviche. And you can’t go wrong with a watermelon margarita or two!

2. Blueberries – These little blue fellows go great with oatmeal. And blueberries are terrific with a dash of cinnamon. How about tossing a few into a salad? They also make a nice, cold beer taste better when you toss in a small handful.

3. Raspberries – This sweet yet tart fruit pairs well with Greek yogurt. I also enjoy using them to make a smoothie, or eating them frozen is fantastic as well. Finally, try garnishing a spritzer with three or four fresh raspberries.

4. Strawberries – They are fabulous when dipped in chocolate (white, milk, or dark chocolate). Another way to enjoy them is when sliced up and cooked in pancakes. A less common but equally delicious way to eat them is with balsamic sauce drizzled over the top.

5. Cherries – How about cheesecake with cherries slathered over the top? This is one of my son’s favorites. Also enjoyable is a pie that’s chockful of cherries, topped with whipped cream. And a cherry walnut salad is not only yummy but healthy.

6. Peaches – These are tasty when heated or cold. For example, a warm dish of a peach cobbler is simply irresistible. Similarly, a few chilled slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is quite tempting. They also work well chopped up in a peach salsa.

Though they didn’t make this list, blackberries, grapes, kiwis, oranges, pears, and many other fruits are delightful to consume in the summer—or year-round!