Fall isn’t too far away, so if you haven’t made a trip to your local farmer’s market for some fruits and vegetables this summer, do it now while summer produce is still in season!
When you shop according to seasons, you won’t only save money, but you’ll also get better-tasting and fresher ingredients. If you don’t have a local farmer’s market, you can also buy in-season produce at your regular supermarket. Don’t want to go out in public or make a trip to the store? Order fresh with a grocery delivery service!
Here are some of summer’s top produce selections that will make great additions to your table.
Summer Produce Superstars
Melons: Think honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Melons are super hydrating and rich with fiber and vitamins. They also make a healthy sweet treat in place of sugary snacks and pastries. Throw them on the grill (yes, really!), add them to salad, or eat them on their own as a tasty snack or side dish.
Tomatoes: They support healthy skin, weight control and reduced risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease. Tomatoes are packed with potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Here are some fun ways you can utilize them:
- Add them to pasta sauce for an extra chunky texture
- Put them on wraps and sandwiches
- Chop or dice them for soups and stews
- Use for salsa along with onions, jalapenos and cilantro
- Dip grape or cherry tomatoes in hummus or Greek yogurt
Bell Peppers: They have a ton of fiber, potassium, iron and folate, and they’re rich with vitamins A and C. Plus, bell peppers have a satisfying tasty crunch! Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta or bruschetta. Or, eat them alone with hummus or hummus or Greek yogurt dip. For a sweeter taste, try to find snacking bell peppers.
Eggplant: This superfood is high vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s also great for digestion, regulating blood sugar and reducing your risk for cancer and other chronic diseases. Incorporate more eggplant into your diet by baking, roasting, grilling or sauteing it. It’s also a popular alternative to noodles in lasagna or chicken in chicken Parmesan.
Cherries: This lovely fruit is heart-healthy and makes the perfect snacking food. Eat them on their own or add them to Greek yogurt or oatmeal. You can also use cherries to make a sauce for your favorite lean meats or even in a summer pie!
Summer Squash: Also known as yellow squash, summer squash is full of vitamins A, B and C, plus fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron and folate. They are great when grilled or sauteed alongside zucchini, which is also in season during summer. You can use summer squash as a side dish, bake them into “fries,” add them to salad, or even spiralize them to make veggie noodles.
More Produce Currently in Season:
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Peaches
- Lima beans or green beans
- Berries of all kinds
- Figs
- Tomatillos
- Corn
- Carrots
For more information about selecting tasty produce that is currently in season, check out this helpful resource from FruitsandVeggies.org.
