Summer is here! School’s out, the days are long, and there is a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables waiting to be picked fresh and enjoyed with glee. Below is a list of produce that is in-season (focusing on the Southeastern states) and some ways to enjoy them. Have a delicious summer!
Berries
As nutritious as they are beautiful, berries are a summer staple. Enjoy blackberries mixed into yogurt, blueberries in overnight oats (the cold version of oatmeal for those warm summer mornings), and I believe strawberries are best eaten by themselves to appreciate the sweet, juicy flavor.
Summer Squash
As the name implies, these are the lighter members of the squash family. In place of the heartier pumpkin and acorn squash of the autumn, zucchini and yellow squash shine in these months. Try a ratatouille or make kebabs and grill them alongside your hamburgers at your next BBQ.
Cherries
A perfect blend of sweet and tart, these can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack or baked into a classic American pie.
Tomatoes
As a native New Jersian, to me there’s nothing better than a freshly-picked cherry tomato that’s been warmed by the August sun. For a fresh and easy salad, mix tomatoes (cherry, grape, heirloom, or beefsteak) with in-season Basil and mozzarella cheese for a Caprese salad that's always a crowd favorite.
Melons
A watermelon, mint, and feta salad is another summer classic. Cantaloupe and honeydew are other favorites and go great chopped up and added into a fruit salad.
Corn
A favorite summer memory of mine includes shucking corn for dinner on my front porch, watching the neighbors pass by with bikes and strollers. Grill corn for an extra flavor boost, and cut off the cob to mix in with black beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion for a cold salad perfect for a BBQ get-together.
Other favorites
- Greens: Arugula, collard greens, sprouts (perfect on a sandwich), cabbage, mustard greens (so deliciously spicy), lettuce, watercress, and many favorite herbs like rosemary, basil, mint, and chives.
- Asparagus: perfect to grill up with a piece of salmon
- Peaches: a sweet Georgia staple!
References:
This seasonal food guide is a great resource to utilize year-round to find which options are in season each month in every US state! As you can see, this link reflects options that are available in late June in Georgia.)
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– Samantha Marks, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian | Email Samantha
