By Benedict Vanheems | 3 July 2017
We all experience the occasional sweet tooth, and while it can be hard to resist, there are healthier ways to satisfy it! Growing your own fruits and vegetables not only provides you with fresh, homegrown produce but also offers a fantastic way to curb your sugar cravings naturally. Here are seven naturally sweet crops you can grow in your garden that will leave your taste buds delighted!
1. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a classic crop for gardeners, particularly because modern varieties have been specifically bred for exceptional sweetness. To get the sweetest cobs, plant corn in a sunny spot with rich, fertile soil. Harvest your corn when the tassels turn brown, and check for ripeness by pressing a nail into a kernel — a milky juice should emerge if it’s ready. For the best flavor, pick your corn just before you plan to eat it.
2. Peas
Peas, particularly sweet varieties or those labeled “sugar” or “sweet,” are great for satisfying your sweet tooth. Sugar snap and mangetout peas, which are eaten whole, also fall into this category. Sow them from spring to summer for a long harvest season. The key to sweetness is picking them promptly when they’re at their peak.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another easy-to-grow crop that can be quite sweet, especially if you choose the right variety. Smaller tomatoes, like cherry or grape tomatoes, tend to have higher sugar concentrations. To enhance sweetness, apply a liquid tomato fertilizer regularly and avoid overwatering, as excess water can dilute the natural sugars in the fruit.
4. Beets
Beets are naturally sweet and can be grown throughout the spring and summer. For the sweetest flavor, harvest them while they’re still small — around the size of a golf ball. Baby beets, which mature in about two months, can be roasted alongside other sweet root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a delicious and hearty dish. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil can enhance their natural sweetness.
5. Carrots
Carrots, like beets, are sweeter when harvested at a smaller size. Opt for varieties that produce pencil-sized roots, or try the Chantenay type, which is a favorite among chefs. There are also specific varieties bred for sweetness, so look for those when choosing your seeds. Carrots can be sown from spring to late summer for a continuous harvest of crisp, sweet roots.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the most rewarding fruits to grow in your garden, with sun-warmed berries offering an irresistible sweetness. To extend your harvest, plant early, mid, and late-season varieties. Alpine and wild strawberries, though small, are packed with incredible flavor and fragrance. Whether you grow them for yourself or share the harvest with family, strawberries are always a crowd-pleaser!
7. Melon
Few fruits are as sweet as a perfectly ripe melon. Though they require a long, warm summer to thrive, melons can be grown successfully in greenhouses or tunnels in cooler climates. Honeydew melons are known for their sweetness, while cantaloupe melons are more reliable. To harvest at the right moment, look for a cracked stalk and a slight softness at one end of the fruit. The sweet aroma of a ripe melon is unmistakable.
Conclusion:
These naturally sweet crops are perfect for any garden and will help satisfy your sugar cravings in a healthier, more wholesome way. From the crunch of sweet corn to the refreshing bite of melon, there’s a sweet option for everyone. Have you grown any of these crops or have other sweet varieties in mind? Share your favorites in the comments below!