When I say summer, what comes to mind? It might be the beach, sun tans, or eating watermelon by the pool. For me it also means an increase is fresh, locally grown produce available at several farmer's markets in my town. This in season produce is fresher and tastier than out of season produce but did you know it's also better for the environment and your community?
Purchased and consumed shortly after it is harvested, in season produce is often purchased directly from local growers. This means it travels a shorter distance before arriving at your local grocery store or farmer's market stand. Studies have also shown that fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen naturally on their parent plant.
When you purchase locally grown foods, you are helping your local farms to maintain farmland and the farmers to support their families. If you are able to purchase directly from them, these farmers can also tell you how the food was grown. From the types of seeds to the practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know more about where it came from you can feel better about the food you feed your family and the impact you have on your community.
In appreciation of all of the wonderful seasonal produce currently available, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite summer recipes!
From Jess:
I love this Mosaic melon salad! It uses all of my favorite summer fruits and veggies and the vinaigrette adds the perfect depth of flavor. Plus, it just looks pretty. I'm bringing it to a picnic this weekend to serve with fresh steamed crabs!
https://www.howsweeteats.com/
From Benita:
Watermelon is a staple in our summer diet in the sunshine state! It's the one thing I know the kids will devour pool side. These kabobs are an excellent way to sneak in some protein while they are munching!
https://fruitsandveggies.org/recipes/watermelon-kebabs/
From Rachel:
In our household, we make tex-mex inspired meals maybe 3+ times a week. Lucky for us, summer time graces us for all the good produce to make fresh, spicy, flavor-packed dishes all the time. For example, our favorite one so far are these stuffed peppers! They are super simple, and are honestly a ton of fun to make & stuff. We pair them with salsa and avocado, maybe a jalapeno or 2, and plentyyyy of cheese
https://www.aheadofthyme.com/easy-vegan-stuffed-bell-peppers/
From Kaley:
Summer is my favorite time for produce but one of my favorite recipes to make this time of year is Mango Salsa. This recipe includes crunchy jicama, sweet mango, and spicy jalapeno. Bonus: it looks great with any picnic spread!
https://www.pamperedchef.ca/recipe/Appetizers+%26+Snacks/30+Minutes+or+Less/Mango+Confetti+Salsa/926222
For more seasonal recipe inspiration visit:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/summer-fruits-and-vegetables-2217706