The Seasonal Gourmand: Summer

     Eating seasonally is actually a thing, but why is it important?  Let’s start with the obvious: Summer Fruit!  

Is there anything more delicious on a summer day than cold watermelon, fresh peaches, blueberries, mangos or nectarines?  These are just a few of the treasures nature provides in the Good Ole Summertime!  Fresh fruit that is ripe in summer, picked right off the tree or bush, if you are lucky, is not only delicious and satisfying on a hot day, but also packed with nutrients that our bodies need in the summer!  Nature is so clever!

     Hydration is crucial in the heat of summer, and the fruits that are seasonal in summer are chockful of Water!  Dehydration can overtake a person seemingly without notice.  This is why staying hydrated is so important, because when you feel thirsty, it is often too late.  Water is, of course, the best way to stay hydrated, but consider what you are eating, as well.  

Watermelon, the name says it all and it is true!  Watermelon is about 92% water!  It is the most hydrating fruit you can eat, and it is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (the nutrients that combat aging and cell damage).

Strawberries, about 91% water, these beauties are so nutrient dense, like all berries and studies show they are a great source of flavonoids and can help arrest cognitive decline.

Kiwi, what an adorable fruit!  Fuzziful on the outside, and so incredibly beautiful on the inside!  These babies are about 85% water and have more vitamins than oranges and as much potassium as bananas!

Peaches and summer go together like…Peaches and vegan cream!  Peaches are the perfect summer fruit; sweet, nutritious and so full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and potassium.  At about 90% water a peach will help keep your body nourished and hydrated.

Okay, another important reason to eat seasonally?  It is good for the environment.  When we eat seasonally and better yet, locally, we reduce the likelihood of foods being transported from great distances.  Fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and picked in season are less likely to sit on a truck or worse, an airplane to get to you.  The effects of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and fossil fuels that stem from transportation of foods are one of the biggest contributors to climate change.  One thing we can do to help with global warming is to eat seasonally and locally, as much as possible.  Foods will be fresher and naturally ripened.  Also, try to choose fruits and vegetables that have minimal packaging to reduce waste.  

If you are fortunate enough to have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in your area, you can get fresh organic vegetables and fruit in season and grown locally.  The great thing about a CSA is we can support local farmers!  Just Google “Find a CSA near me.”

And remember, because they are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, eating fresh fruit helps to boost your immune system, supports heart health and can help to lower blood pressure, helps prevent heat stroke and, la vegan creme de la creme; helps prevent cancer!

You cannot go wrong with summer fruit!  Next time you are headed to a Potluck or are hosting Brunch, try this delicious recipe!

Fruit Salad with Herbs

Serves 4

It wouldn’t be summer without fresh fruit.  The fresh herbs and lime give this salad a little something extra!  The great thing about making fruit salad is you can use whatever fruits you have on hand.  I have made some suggestions, but feel free to mix and match with what you have in your kitchen. Serve this as a starter for Brunch, or as an afternoon treat on a hot day.

2 cups of strawberries, sliced

2 cups of watermelon, chunks

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup of grapes, red, green or mixed, cut in half

2 cups of peach or nectarine, chunks

1 TBLS fresh mint, finely chopped

1 TBLS fresh basil, finely chopped

1 lime

1 tsp poppyseeds

Mint leaves for garnish

Wash and cut up all the fruit and toss gently to mix.  Sprinkle on the mint and basil, squeeze half of the lime and toss gently.  Taste and add more herbs and or lime juice, if you desire.

Sprinkle with poppyseeds and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

*From Eat Your Vegetables, Bitches!