The summer season offers some of the yummiest, fresh fruits and vegetables. These are just a handful of my favorite seasonal foods for summer!
What are Seasonal Foods?
Seasonal foods are the fruits and veggies that are the ripest during a specific season. For example, foods that are seasonal during the summer are typically different than those in the winter. Not only are seasonal foods at their ripest point, but they are also the richest in nutrients and tastiest in flavor.
5 Summer Seasonal Foods
The summer season is ripe with a variety of delicious fruits and veggies. See what I did there? So, before the summer season comes to a close (which we all know will happen too soon), enjoy these ripe and juicy summer foods:
- Berries– Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries.. You name the berry, it’s probably in season during the summer. I love fresh berries during the summer because they’re the sweetest and juiciest. Most berries are high in antioxidants and low in sugar, making them a beneficial addition to every diet. I highly recommend berry-picking at a farm near you. Something about plucking the berries yourself makes them even sweeter!
- Cherries– Bright red, juicy cherries are the epitome of summertime. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and copper. I love simply snacking on ripe cherries or using them to make a delicious summer dessert, like cherry pie or crumble. Bing and rainier cherries are my personal favorites! Believe it or not… they can also help combat constipation, which is much appreciated in pregnancy!
- Figs– While I’m a huge fan of FIGS scrubs, I love fresh, ripe figs just as much. Raw figs are rich in potassium and magnesium, which can help maintain your electrolyte levels during the hotter months. They are also high in antioxidants and fiber. Try slicing a couple figs on top of your morning oatmeal or side salad!
- Melons– Melons make for a wonderful summertime snack. I remember growing up on fresh watermelon and cantaloupe in the summer months. Melons, like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, are exceptionally sweet in the summer and contain high amounts of water, which can aid in hydration. Melons are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. I LOVE to pair cantaloupe with prosciutto and burrata; reminds me of our summer in France a few years back!
- Tomatoes– While I love tomatoes year-round, I especially enjoy them during the summer months when they are ripest and tastiest. Tomatoes are a wonderful addition to almost any salad, sandwich, or wrap. They are also delicious paired with soft mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yum! Tomatoes are high in vitamin c, vitamin k, and potassium. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even grow your own tomatoes right on your kitchen counter! When we demo’d our backyard a year and a half back, we found a rogue tomato plant growing underneath the concrete! I swear they grow anywhere!
Where to Find Seasonal Foods in Summer
Luckily, fresh fruits and veggies aren’t hard to find during the summer. You should always be able to locate fresh produce at your local grocery store. But, in my experience, summer fruits and veggies are the tastiest from the local farmer’s market. If you have a farmer’s market near you, I highly recommend purchasing your produce there. With less transit time from the farm to your counter, the freshly grown produce will be fresher, riper, and more nutrient-dense.
The summer season is rich with tasty seasonal foods. Which will you enjoy first?!
