We know summer is the perfect time to turn up the breezy tunes and switch to flip-flops, but it's also the right time to fill your diet with healthy seasonal produce. These days, we tend to hear a lot about seasonal produce, but it’s definitely more than just some marketing buzz. Eating healthy seasonal foods brings many benefits to the table. From something as essential as rich flavor all the way to ensuring your skin stays hydrated. Below we list our 6 favorite summer foods to eat this season:
Tomato
Despite being a fruit, it’s generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable. These red wonders, which can come in different shapes and colors, are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, one of the most potent antioxidants out there. It has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. And if that wasn’t enough, tomatoes are also a great source of several vitamins and mineral including vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
Fennel
This fragrant plant can be used both as a seed or an herb. You might know the delicious burst of licorice-like flavor that fennel can bring to a dish, but it’s also a plant rich in potassium. Potassium is crucial to managing high blood pressure. Also, eating potassium-rich foods can help promote kidney function, bone health, and muscle strength. In addition, fennel also contains 14 other key minerals and vitamins, and acts as a diuretic, helping you lose excess water weight without causing dehydration.
Zucchini
Also known as courgette, is fittingly part of the summer squash family. It’s often considered a vegetable but it’s botanically classified as a fruit. Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and when cooked, it’s particularly high in vitamin A, which may support vision and the immunity. The fiber and potassium found in this squash may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and promote heart health, while its high water content makes it a perfect summer snack.
Bell Peppers
Since summer is known for its rich colors, it’s only right we bring the gorgeous Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers to the table. These colorful foods are full of great health benefits—they’re packed with vitamins and low in calories! They are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, and they happen to also contain a healthy dose of fiber, iron, and folate. Along with being full of nutrients, we love them as they deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Watermelon
No summer food list is complete without this delicious and refreshing berry. Drinking water during the hot months is crucial, however, eating foods that have a high water content is also very beneficial. Being 92% water, don’t let the watermelon fool you! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, two of them being vitamins A and C, which are important for skin and hair during the summer months. The combination of water and fiber makes the watermelon a perfect snack to quench your thirst.
Berries
Nothing says summer like sweet and juicy summer berries. The variety of goodness to choose from is vast. There are blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries – take your pick! Besides being utterly tasty, they’re filled with flavonoids, which are powerful disease fighters, as well as vitamin C and fiber. Red berries also increase blood flow to the skin, which improves skin's appearance and texture, perfect for those summer days.
Not sure how to fit all of these amazing foods into your diet? No worries, we got your back. Our summer menu is filled with the best ingredients available, and we’ve also included these seasonal produce in our ready-made meals. See our full list of meals available to choose your perfect summer dish today.
