June is right around the corner which means summer seasonal produce is likely popping up at your local grocery store and farmer's market. Being able to enjoy seasonal foods, not only tastes better, but seasonal foods are also more nutritious than eating foods out of season. (1)
So, what's not to love? Stock up on these seven healthy seasonal foods this summer by shopping at your local farmers market, or sticking to these in-season foods when you make your next grocery shopping trip.
Interested in learning about all the foods that are in season right now? Check out the seasonal food guide website.
7 Healthy Seasonal Foods For Summer
#1 Bell Peppers: Bell peppers make the perfect summer veggie to dip into hummus, or add to your favorite chicken kabob recipe. Loaded with vitamin C, bell peppers make an excellent addition to your summertime meal plan.
#2 Zucchini: Zucchini is another summer favorite as it’s light and refreshing, can be tossed into a salad, or grilled and enjoyed with grilled chicken, a turkey, or veggie burger. Zucchini is also a great veggie to help keep your body hydrated due to its high water content.
#3 Garlic: Garlic pairs well with just about everything, and it’s full of health benefits. From its ability to help support healthy blood pressure to its immune-boosting properties, garlic has you covered.
#4 Cucumbers: Try snacking on some sliced cucumbers this summer for a refreshing snack, or make a cucumber, lemon, and mint infused water for a tasty way to stay hydrated on the hot days. Cucumbers can also be sliced and enjoyed with your favorite salad for some added crunch.
#5 Radishes: Try slicing up some radishes and enjoying them with a sandwich, wrap, or in a salad for a b-vitamin and magnesium boost.
#6 Strawberries: Here’s another excuse to snack on some fresh strawberries this summer! This in-season fruit is the perfect sweet treat that will pack in a hefty dose of vitamin C, and fiber. Try enjoying them with a bowl of oatmeal, blended into a smoothie, or enjoyed with some homemade coconut whipped cream for a guilt-free treat.
#7 Watermelon: And, last but certainly not least is the delicious and refreshing watermelon. Watermelon makes a welcome summertime treat on a hot summer day. Not only is it super yummy, but it’s also a great fruit to add to your diet in the summer to help support hydration. You can even make watermelon ice cubes by blending up cubed watermelon with a splash of water and then freeze in ice cube trays. Use these ice cubes to add a little flavor to your water bottle to make staying hydrated delicious.
The Bottom Line
Eating seasonally is a great way to support the body with nutrients it needs throughout the year while also eating fresh and delicious foods. Try increasing your seasonal food intake by focusing on getting some of these fruits and veggies in this summer. Plus, eating seasonal will also save you money on your grocery bill as in-season foods are much cheaper. It’s a win, win!