Make the most of summer fruits and vegetables with this seasonal produce guide.
Tomatoes
Tomatoesare an excellent example of summer produce at its best.
To me, theres nothing more simple or more delicious than a perfectly ripe tomato.
Photo:Brittany Conerly
Its sweet, juicy and doesnt need much more than a pinch of salt and pepper.
Adante Hart, M.P.H., RDN, LDN, agrees and recommends trying a variety of tomatoes.
Hart recommends choosing tomatoes that are firm, with bright skin.
Choose them for flavor, but also for nutrition!
And its benefits dont end there.
Choose watermelons that are heavy for their size.
Look for a yellow belly which indicates ripeness from sitting in the sun.
Do a visual check and avoid any melons that have soft spots or cuts.
There are plenty ofways to enjoy watermelonthis July.
Thats perfect timing because summer is usually when were more active, playing sports and enjoying outdoor activities.
Freeze extras to enjoy another time.
While we love deep-fried okra, it can also be prepared in more nutritious ways for regular consumption.
She also notes that its popularity extends beyond the South and has food traditions around the globe.
Its frequently found in cuisines from regions including India, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean.
When shopping for okra, Sanders recommends avoiding the larger pods that can be more woody in texture.
Apricots
You may first think of berries and melons, but stone fruit is also in season in July.
She loves their sweet, unmistakable floral notes that have just the right amount of sassy tang.
She even admits to using them as a pizza topping!
Consider them a delicious way to fuel your summer.
2023 May 18;15(10):2371. doi: 10.3390/nu15102371.
2022 Aug 7;27(15):5016. doi: 10.3390/molecules27155016.
