Late Spring/Early Summer Produce

By Toriyan Wallace
Intern

Late spring and early summer are great times to enjoy in-season produce. Fruits like apricots and strawberries are now in season and beginning to make an appearance in produce sections! Also try out okra and zucchini, they are now in season and taste great grilled.

Tips for picking fruits and vegetables

• Use your senses - Firm produce without soft spots indicates it is fresh. Often the more fragrant it is, the more flavorful it will be.

• Pay attention to color - Color is a good way to gauge the ripeness and freshness of the produce. Bright, vibrant colors are a good sign that the vegetable is full of phytonutrients, maximizing the nutritional value.

• Buy greenhouse-grown veggies - Some vegetables are only good at certain times of the year. Greenhouse-grown vegetables solve that problem—they are consistently fresh and perfect for eating year-round!

• Buy “ugly” Produce - Produce that is oddly shaped or has slight knicks or bumps may not look as beautiful, but “ugly” fruits and vegetables are still delicious and packed with nutrition. Plus, they often cost less!

Sources: How To Pick The Best Produce | Nature Fresh Farms & Month-to-Month Seasonal Produce Guide (thedailymeal.com)

Source: Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Vegan Feta | Crowded Kitchen