Warm Up to Summer Fruits and Vegetables
Even with access to a wide variety of foods year-round, summer brings a unique鈥攁nd delicious鈥攐ffering. 滨迟鈥檚 the only time of year you can access fresh summer fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers.听
鈥淪ummertime is the best time to get local fruits and vegetables,鈥 says Janna Banks, CDCES, registered dietitian at 麻豆高清. 鈥淪ince fruits and vegetables are an essential part of our diet, stock up!鈥听
Benefits of Summer Fruits and Vegetables听
Seasonal foods have many benefits. Here are a few reasons to stock up on summer fruits and vegetables.听
- Fiber. The states that most Americans need more fiber. Add some fiber to your daily diet with summer fruits and veggies. When you do, you鈥檒l reap fiber鈥檚 benefits, which include improved digestion and weight management.听
- Flavor. Your grocery store stocks fruits and vegetables from around the world. Unfortunately, packaged and shipped fruits and vegetables lose some of their flavor. By buying locally grown, seasonal foods, you get to eat them when 迟丑别测鈥檙别 in season, at peak ripeness and as flavorful as possible.听
- Hydration. Hot summer months can leave you parched. Fruits and veggies contain lots of water. Make them part of your diet to help stay hydrated and healthy.听
- Sustainability. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e buying locally grown, seasonally available produce, it鈥檚 probably coming from close to home,鈥 Banks says. 鈥淎s a result, it 诲辞别蝉苍鈥檛 have to be shipped or stored, two processes that can affect the environment.鈥听
- Vitamins and minerals. Your body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep you as healthy as possible. Summer fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins and minerals. Eat them fresh for maximum benefit, as they lose some nutritional value over time.听
Summer Foods at Your Fingertips听听
Ready to hit the farmers market and boost your intake of fresh produce? 驰辞耻鈥檝别 got options.听
鈥淗ere in New York City, we see a bounty of growth this time of year,鈥 Banks says. 鈥淎ll the fruits and vegetables you can think of, including my favorite heirloom tomatoes, are available in summer.鈥听
Whether you love stone fruits, berries, citrus, melons or pomes, 迟丑别测鈥檙别 all available in the summer. A few summer fruits include:听
- Cherries听
- Nectarines听
- Peaches听
- Plums听
- Raspberries听
- Strawberries听
You can also get your fill of vegetables, with plenty of cruciferous veggies, leafy greens and roots available. Options include:听
- Asparagus听
- Broccoli听听
- Carrots听
- Eggplant听听
- Kale听
- Lettuce听
- Onion听
- Potatoes听
- Spinach听
- Summer squash听听
- Sweet corn听
When the Season Ends听
Fresh fruits and veggies have the most flavor and nutrients. This 诲辞别蝉苍鈥檛 mean you 肠补苍鈥檛 enjoy summer fruits and vegetables out of season. Frozen or canned fruits and veggies retain a lot of their needed nutrition.听听
That said, you should still take advantage of summer.听
鈥淓arly summer to early fall is a great time to discover new fruits and vegetables you may not have tasted before,鈥 Banks says. 鈥淚 like to try new heirloom varieties, locally harvested garlic and more. 滨迟鈥檚 a great way to make eating fun and healthy.鈥听
If you want to meet your health goals by adding more plant-based foods to your diet, find a doctor at 麻豆高清 to help.听