One of our favorite things about summertime is the range of fresh food in season. If melty ice cream sundaes and burgers fresh off the grill come to mind, we’re definitely with you, but that’s not quite what we meant. During these hot months, a range of fruits and veggies are ripe for the picking, which make eating healthy easier, less expensive and even more delicious.
July
Berries make a great grab-and-go option for kids and adults alike, and July sees particularly juicy blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. For a seasonal take on your classic fruit cup, consider cantaloupe, watermelon, apricot, mango, kiwi, peaches, or plums. Your usual cucumber and tomato combo will taste especially fresh this time of year, but if you’re looking to punch up your everyday salad, try in-season lettuces, corn, Swiss chard, zucchini, okra, peppers, and green beans.
August
Most of this produce is still growing strong during the month of August. Also keep an eye out for early pickings of fall favorites like acorn squash, apples, butternut squash, figs, and winter squash.
Why eat seasonal?
Picking up your produce in peak season means you’re getting more nutrients and vitamins in each bite. In addition to reaping the benefits of healthy eating, your wallet will thank you: a surplus of in-season fruits and vegetables means prices will decline at your local grocer or farmer’s market.