The Sweet Taste of Summer Produce!

By: Alyssa White RD, LDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Signature Healthcare

Summer has officially started, and with it comes all of the delicious fruits and vegetables that we associate with it. When I think of summer and snacks, I usually think of fruit salad, a slice of watermelon, or an angel cake with whipped cream and berries on top. Consider grabbing some of this in-season produce to get all of the nutritious benefits they have to offer. Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet as they are low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. They are often a great source of fiber and vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Look for fresh as, well as canned and frozen options. When choosing canned or frozen, look for those with less added salt sodium and in natural fruit juices.

One way to increase your fruit and vegetable intake is to take advantage of summer seasonal produce, which is often cheaper during the summer months. Summer seasonal produce doesn’t have to travel as far from farms to stores, so they are fresh and more affordable. They are picked at the perfect ripening point to get the best flavor. You can also think outside the box about serving delicious fruits and vegetables.

For example, you could grill some fruits, such as peaches and watermelon, or make a fruit kabob. You can add fruit to beverages to increase the flavor, such as watermelon or berries, or make a smoothie. You could serve a salad for a delicious side dish, such as a fruit salad, bean salad, or salsa. Consider adding vegetables to your everyday dishes, like pasta, or adding broccoli to your morning omelet. You can also take the opportunity to check out a local farmer’s market during the warm weather season and get produce right from the farmers who grow it. If you want to enjoy your fruits and vegetables, now is a great time of year to incorporate them into your meals at home.