June 28, 2018

Ah, it’s summer! There’s nothing like going to the farmer’s market and filling your basket with fresh produce for the season. Taking that first bite of a ripe plum or slurping watermelon always brings me back to summers at the beach. What’s your favorite summer fruit?

Certain fruits and veggies are more abundant in certain seasons – have you ever wondered why? Nature’s produce cycle actually supports our body’s needs, and gently leads us from season to season. For example, our bodies require more water in the summer months, and summer-season foods, such as watermelon, berries, and cucumbers, help us stay hydrated and cool. In the fall, transition foods, such as apples and root vegetables, help us acclimate to the upcoming cooler months.

There are many reasons to eat seasonally (and locally, if you can). Seasonal eating is kinder to the environment, requiring fewer pesticides and chemicals to nurture growth. Eating within the season also reduces the need for preservatives. Seasonal foods are grown locally, reducing fuel and transportation costs – often called “food mileage” or “food’s carbon footprint.” And, if it’s not being shipped from (most likely from overseas) where the fruit is in season, it doesn’t contain overseas contaminates (just because a pesticide is illegal in the U.S. doesn’t mean foreign countries have the same policies on produce). In addition, seasonal foods can ripen naturally in the sun and optimal weather, providing more antioxidants for our good health. And it just tastes better when it’s naturally ripened and harvested at the right time!

See below for a list of fruit to enjoy this summer.

For the nutritional value of more seasonal fruits in your region, check out the Seasonal Food Guide. https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/