Grilling season is upon us, and before you reach for all the sausages, patties, and steaks, consider all of your options–including fruits! If you’re only grilling meat and veggies, you’re doing it wrong. I’m not saying you should neglect all the barbeque staples, but some fruits are equally delicious grilled. In fact, I would say some fruits are meant to be grilled.

Imagine the sweetness, aroma, and juiciness of caramelized onions. It’s a unique flavour that’s impossible to mimic, and the same goes for caramelized fruits. Natural sugar is abundant in most  fruits, which makes them ideal for grilling in order to bring out the nutty, bold flavours. So the next time you pull out the grill, don’t cast aside fruits as another post-meal refreshment. Try grilled fruits!

Take these fruits to the grill!

1. Stone Fruits

Apricots, peaches, and nectarines are no strangers to the grill. In fact, they’re often paired with pork tenderloins and steaks. The juicy flavours of the fruits stand up well with the bold flavours of meats. Cut them in half with the skin on, remove the pit, and grill with the flesh down for three minutes.

2. Banana

You’ve had a banana split, but have you had a grilled banana split? Cut your banana in half lengthwise, and grill for three minutes. Pair with your favourite ice cream or top with caramel and chocolate sauce and enjoy!

3. Pineapple

The king of tropical fruits, pineapple is incredibly delicious when grilled. The tanginess and acidity of the fruit become sweet and aromatic with the intense heat of the grill. Cut your pineapples into slices or wedges and grill them for three minutes on each side.

4. Avocado

Yep, that’s right avocado is a fruit. While not as sweet as the other fruits on this list, it’s equally delicious when grilled. Some char marks add a smoky flavour and the grill makes avocados warm and extra creamy. A grilled avocado half make a delicious addition to a salad or burrito bowl! 

5. Apple

If there’s anything apple pies have taught us, it is that apples are crazy delicious when cooked! The intense heat of the grill helps bring out the sweetness and tenderize the fruit. Cut your apples sideways into slices and place on the grill for two minutes each side.

6. Watermelon

Watermelons are one of the most commonly enjoyed grilled fruits. Often referred to as the watermelon steak, it is filling and can be enjoyed as is, or drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Cut them into wedges and grill for three minutes on each side.

7. Strawberries

This list wouldn’t be complete without a berry, and strawberries are the perfect grilled fruits. Making a skewer? Add strawberries to the mix to give it more flavour and colour. Grilling strawberries can bring out a certain smoky sweetness that’s unlike any other fruits.

8. Cantaloupe

Another ice-cream-perfect fruit when grilled. Cut cantaloupes into big wedges and grill them for three minutes on each side. This fruit is amazing when drizzled with honey and eaten with yoghurt. It’s the perfect dessert for the perfect barbecue.

9. Pears

Pears are often compared to apples, and they’re equally delicious when grilled. Cut a pear in half lengthwise, and place the cut-side down. Grill for about eight minutes or until tender. Enjoy it with a light drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.

10. Grapes

Toss some seedless red grapes with equal parts sherry vinegar and olive oil and add in crushed fennel seeds, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Let marinate for at least an hour, then skewer the grapes and grill for 2-3 minutes. These are amazing with a soft cheese, something like a bocconcini or burrata would be perfect.

Did we miss any of your favourites? There are many fruits out there that taste amazing grilled. If you’ve tried grilling fruits, let us know your favourites. And if you haven’t, start with this list, and let us know what you think!