With options like frozen, canned and dried, we are lucky to be able to get so many of our favorite fruits and vegetables all year long. However, it’s important to remember that the best way to enjoy these are in their season. When you eat any produce at its prime, you’ll be able to get the most benefits from its vitamins and nutrients, and it will be the most flavorful.
There are so many fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables available in the summer – it makes eating healthy so much easier!
For the freshest selection, you can pick up your produce at the local farmer’s market. Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables in season during the summer:
Radishes – Radishes make a delicious low calorie, crunchy snack or addition to your summer salad, and a great source of vitamin C.
Cucumber – Cucumbers are basically vitamins, antioxidants and water. To get the most of their health benefits, leave the peel on and enjoy.
Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are like summer vegetable candy. In season, they are sweet and jam-packed with vitamins. Red Bell Peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C you can get.
Carrots – Carrots make a great crunchy snack. They are high in beta carotene that converts to vitamin K in the body, which helps promotes healthy eyesight and supports your immune system.
Zucchini – Zucchini is a delicious summer squash that can be enjoyed a variety of ways. It can be eaten raw, steamed, baked, or turned into noodles! Zucchini is full of vitamins, antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Tomatoes – While tomatoes are technically fruit, they are traditionally paired with and served like a vegetable. They are usually enjoyed most in the summer in a garden salsa. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin K and potassium, and folate.
Plums – Plums or prunes are little higher in sugar, but they are packed with fiber and contain over 15 different vitamins and minerals! They make a delicious snack, plus help fight constipation and osteoporosis.
Blackberries – Blackberries are another amazing source of vitamin C. Studies have found that berry fruits, like blackberries, may increase brain function and reduce brain inflammation.
Strawberries – Strawberries, like blackberries, are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune health and brain function. Plus, even though they are sweet like candy, they are low in sugar and make the perfect substitute for dessert.
Peaches – Peaches make another sweet substitute for dessert in the summertime. They are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Their high fiber content helps improve gut health and promote a smooth digestion.
Lemon – While you may not want to slice up and eat a lemon, you can squirt lemon juice onto summer foods to enhance their flavors with a delicious tart taste. Adding lemon to your water is a great way to give it some flavor as well as promoting healthy digestion and aiding in weight loss.
Eating healthy can be so much easier in the summertime with all these delicious fruits and vegetables. So, head to your local farmer’s market to pick up all the best summer produce.
Sources: healthline.com
