Along with summer comes a bounty of produce available at farmers markets, roadside stands and grocery stores. It’s a much looked-forward-to time of year for lovers of berries, garden vegetables and ripe fruits.
We all know the summertime staples: fresh strawberries, refreshing watermelon and juicy peaches. There are more fruits and vegetables than just these, though.
What’s in season
The following is a list of foods in season during summer, adapted from the United States Department of Agriculture SNAP-Ed Connection.
- Apples
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Beets
- Bell peppers
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Cantaloupe/Muskmelons
- Celery
- Cherries
- Collard greens
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Green beans
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwifruit
- Lima beans
- Mangoes
- Nectarines
- Okra
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Summer squash and zucchini
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has a calendar of seasonal fruits and vegetables available on its website, complete with descriptions of each fruit and vegetable.
Benefits
One benefit of seasonal eating is that seasonal foods are typically less expensive when they’re ripe from the field, according to Iowa State University Extension. This is true at farmer’s markets but isn’t necessarily the case at grocery stores.
Aside from better bargains, seasonal foods promote variety in your diet. Plus, when fruits and vegetables are harvested, they contain the most nutrients, so you’ll benefit from the extra vitamins and minerals.
The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute recommends eating what’s in season to offer your body a wide variety of fruits and vegetables instead of eating the same ones all year long.
U-pick operations and farmers markets
To take advantage of locally-grown crops and to support local farmers, visit u-pick operations and farmers markets in your area.
There are numerous U-pick operations around Ohio. PickYourOwn provides information about u-pick farms in all 50 states as well as some locations outside the U.S. In Ohio and other states, the information is broken down into the state’s regions, making it simpler to find markets near you.
Summer is prime time for farmers markets. To find a farmer’s market near you, refer to the USDA Farmer’s Markets Directory Search.
Related
- 10 ways to eat 7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day April 20, 2015
- How to eat seasonally this spring March 17, 2015
- National Nutrition Month®: Focus on a healthy lifestyle March 8, 2015
- 10 superfoods to add to your diet Feb. 24, 2015
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