Summer Produce

Summer is one of the best times to enjoy fresh, local produce. There are a ton of fruit and vegetables that are in-season and plentiful during the summer months. This time of year, it is easy to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies into every meal and get the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Below is a list of some of the top fruits in vegetables of the summer that you should take advantage of and incorporate into your weekly meals. 

• Cantaloupes
• Fresh cantaloupe have a sweet fragrance and soft stems. After washing thoroughly, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Try it with lime juice and fresh cilantro for a fresh salsa!
• Summer Squash
• When it comes to squash, the smaller the better; sometimes the bigger squash have a lot of seeds and a tougher texture. Look for an unmarked yellow skin. Eat as soon as possible after buying squash. They are great chopped up into eggs for a fresh veggie omelette.
• Green Beans
• Look for bright pods that are firm and plump. The ends should be stiff and should break off easily. Keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Green beans are great thrown into a stir fry, or simply eaten by themselves with a little salt and pepper on top. 
• Corn
• Look for bright green husks, glossy silks and a moist stem end. Fresh corn is best if eaten the same day you buy it. Corn is great eaten right off the cob, but is also good tossed in a fresh tomato salad.
• Tomatoes
• Look for a shiny, heavy and unbruised tomato for the perfect ripeness. Tomatoes come in all different colors and shapes, so the look and feel of a tomato is best to look for when finding the perfect one. Store at room temperature. Fresh summer tomatoes are best eaten with just some salt and pepper sprinkled on top!
• Cucumbers
• Cucumbers should not be soft or wrinkly when bought. Be sure that the ends are firm to ensure freshness. Keep cucumbers in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. This vegetable is great served with yogurt or over a fresh salad.
• Blueberries
• Blueberries should be flavorful and juicy when they are ready to eat. Blueberries are a great food item to buy fresh and freeze so you have them for a long time to use. They are good in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
• Eggplants
• Pick eggplants that are shiny and firm to be sure they are ripe. Keep at room temperature for about 2 days, as refrigerating may cause them to brown. Eggplants are great for slicing into rounds and grilling!