Why is seasonal produce so essential and what’s in season now? Fruits and veggies in season tend to cost less than other produce as it’s usually grown locally and requires less distance for transport. Eating in-season produce is fresher and also provides more nutrients and flavor because they avoid early picking, cooling, and heating.
Summer Fruits
Berries
The typical summer seasonal fruits are berries! Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and more. Picked at peak ripeness in the summer, berries are among the healthiest foods in the world. They’re loaded with antioxidants, high in fiber, low in calories, packed with many other nutrients, and are just plain delicious! The perfect summer seasonal berry is slightly sweet but tart and plump. Eat them as a snack or make a heavenly dessert; the choices are endless!
Nectarines, Peaches, and Plums
These fruits are sweet, juicy, and utterly irresistible in the summertime. As “stone fruits,” they are sweet and fleshy surrounding a hard pit at the center. They’re all incredibly versatile; make a pitcher of peach iced tea or grill any of these stone fruits to toss into a tasty summer salad!
Watermelon
What’s better than a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer day? Watermelon is a true summer superfruit. A single watermelon is made up of 92% water and the rest is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and B6, along with potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Is watermelon the best summer seasonal fruit? Use them in a range of recipes from simple smoothies to intricate entrees.
Summer Vegetables
Green Veggies
Summer is in full swing and so is our love for all green vegetables! Arugula, bok choy, cabbage, chives, cilantro, collard greens, cucumbers, green beans, green onions, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, spinach, sprouts, and watercress are all in season this time of year. Green veggies are said to be some of the best foods for your body since they are extremely low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. Very high amounts of Vitamin K are often found in green vegetables, which supports calcium absorption and healthy bones.
Beets, Chili Peppers, Mushrooms, Radishes, and Shallots
The non-green summer vegetables are just as delicious and nutritious. Spice any recipe up with chili peppers, known for their heat intensity on the Scoville scale. Beet salads are becoming more and more popular at restaurants, and people are eating them up! Make one at home this summer and find out for yourself! You can never go wrong throwing mushrooms into your meal. The earthy vegetable comes in every shape and size, and have incredible health benefits. They’re considered a superfood and are especially fresh in the summer. It’s estimated that 50% of mushrooms will potentially have a positive effect on your health beyond basic nutrition.