Say hello to the perfect seaside snack.
The Department of Information recently shared a beautiful Maltese saying: ‘Ġunju jdewwaqna l-frott’, which loosely translates to ‘June brings the taste of fruit’. And nothing captures this time of year better than the sweet taste of the island’s summer fruit, that’s just started to bloom!
As the heat settles in and summer begins to show off, local fruit stalls and village markets start bursting with colour, offering some of the freshest, sweetest produce Malta has to offer. Here’s a quick roundup of the fruits that make June one of the tastiest months on the island:
Apples (Tuffieħ)
Crisp, refreshing, and great for snacks or desserts, apples are a year-round favourite, but their summer varieties are extra juicy.
Bambinella
This tiny Maltese pear is a true local gem. Sweet, crunchy, and only available for a short window during summer, bambinelli are a must-have. You’ll often spot them in brown paper bags at markets or sold by the kilo along country roads.
Nectarines (Nuċiprisk or Anċiprisk – depends who you ask!)
If you're into stone fruit, nectarines are a summer dream – fragrant, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. Enjoy alone or with a dollop of your favourite ice-cream.
Plums (Għanbaqar)
Known locally as għanbaqar, Maltese plums come in a range of colours and are perfect eaten fresh or baked into summery desserts.
Watermelon (Dulliegħ)
The king of Maltese summer. Is there anything better than a cold slice of dulliegħ on a hot day? Sweet, hydrating, and perfect for beach picnics or BBQs.
White Figs (Tin)
Delicate and honey-sweet, white figs start to ripen in early summer and are best eaten straight from the tree — or from a market crate, if you’re less adventurous.
Figs (Bajtar ta’ San Ġwann & Farkizzan)
Malta has a few fig varieties, but Bajtar ta’ San Ġwann (named for the feast of St. John in late June) is particularly special. Juicy, plump, and full of flavour, they’re a seasonal highlight.
So if you’re in Malta this June, be sure to stop by your local grocer or market and treat yourself to a literal taste of summer.
Which of these is your favourite summer taste?