Nutrition-packed summer produce: What to buy now and where
Eating in season produce now equals peak nutrition and it's better for your budget, too.
Summer is by far my favorite season. Not only do the longer days lend themselves to a little extra fun, but those warm temperatures yield all of that perfect summer produce we just love. And when you have great produce around, the options for easy, fast, and healthy summer meals are endless.
What is in season now?
July and early August are really prime times in the Philadelphia area for some of the most crowd-pleasing fruits and veggies for your family. Stock up on blueberries, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, green and yellow beans, kale, peaches, peas, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini for the freshest taste this month.
Peak-season is also the best time to try something new. Have you ever walked into the grocery store and thought, "What is that vegetable and what in the world do I do with it?" There's no better individual to answer that question than your person who grew it at your local famer's market. Ask the vendors at the market about tips on storing and preparing that item. You just might find a new favorite!
Why is eating "in season" such a big deal?
Eating produce in season not only benefits your health, but your wallet, too.
1. Peak season equals peak nutrition. Those colors in your bright red strawberries and dark green kale actually mean something; deep colors mean produce packed with nutrition! In season fruits and veggies not only taste better, but when fruit is picked at its prime, the vitamins and nutrients are also at their best.
2. Better for your budget. In season produce is often significantly less expensive than the same product you'll find shipped to the store months later. One of the best things you can do to help with eating healthy and staying on budget is to buy in season produce in bulk. Worried you might not get through all of that produce before it goes bad? These reusable produce bags are my favorite way to keep produce fresh for twice as long. They remove ethylene gas to prolong the life and freshness of produce.
And think ahead. Summer is the perfect time to stock up on produce that freezes well. Smoothie favorites like berries and peaches can stay frozen for up to six months. Freeze veggies like corn, beans, and peppers now to add to your fall soups and chilies.
Where can you find the best produce?
In the summer, there are so many great options for buying produce on any budget. Outside of your regular grocery store, check out one of the many Farmers' Markets in the area. In Pennsylvania, most vendors will accept WIC's Farmers' Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to support local vendors as well. Many CSAs are still offering shares that will go well into the fall season.
A healthy Philly family not only enjoys the summer, but plans for eating well (and on budget!) all year round.
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