A Seasonal Foodie's Guide to Preparing Delicious Meals This Summer

Photo by Lisa Fotios

The wonderful thing about summer is that it’s the perfect time to eat lighter, fresher foods and enjoy the abundance of seasonal produce. There are plenty of benefits to eating seasonally, too. When you limit your food intake to things in season, you get better quality produce and save money. 

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make the most of your summer with this delicious list of the best produce this season offers.

Asparagus

Using your homegrown supplies is a great way to inject flavor into your summer recipes. And asparagus is now in season. It’s a great example of how you can enjoy a whole new set of vegetables during the summer months. Asparagus is an excellent source of iron and Vitamin C, and it’s a vegetable that pairs well with many different foods. You can eat asparagus hot, cold, or at room temperature. It can be a side dish, a main dish, or even be used in a dessert recipe. 

Beans

Most varieties of beans are grown during the summer months, and they make a great side dish or a vegetarian main meal. With so many options available, you can keep your weekly menu fresh and your taste buds happy. There are many benefits to eating beans. They are full of fiber and protein, which are essential nutrients that help to keep you healthy. Beans are also a good source of iron, which allows your body to produce red blood cells and transports oxygen around the body.

Corn and Mango

Corn is another vegetable in season in the summer, and it’s a great addition to any meal. It can be eaten on its own or used as the base of a salad or a side dish. Corn is high in fiber and a source of Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for keeping your eyes healthy. Another food in season during the summer months is mango, a delicious fruit that can be eaten as is or added to many different recipes.

Beets

Beets are one of the best summer vegetables and can be eaten raw or cooked. They’re also a great source of fiber, Vitamin C, and folic acid. Beets are often used in salads, and they can also be roasted, boiled, or served as a side dish. This vegetable is also a great choice if you plan to host a dinner party as it can be served at any temperature and goes well with many different foods. 

Broccoli and Kale

These two vegetables are also great during the summer. They’re both packed with fiber and Vitamin C, and they’re two of the best sources of antioxidants. You can serve them as a side dish or use them as a topping for a healthy vegetarian pizza. If you’re looking for a new twist on broccoli, try adding it to stir fry for a delicious meal.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a staple vegetable often served as a side dish, but it’s also great to add texture to a vegetarian pizza or a salad. Cauliflower is a food that’s best eaten raw and can be added to various recipes. You can also mash it and add it to a sandwich or serve it as a substitute for mashed potatoes.

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Tips for Enjoying all the Delicious Summer Foods

When cooking with seasonal produce, you might find that you have too much of one thing or run out. There’s nothing wrong with buying out-of-season items, but you can save money by buying seasonal produce. For example, you can still make this cheesy baked shrimp toast with or without seasonal produce. It’ll still taste amazing. 

Another tip for enjoying all the delicious summer foods is to plan your meals. If you have a menu planned for the week and know what you have in your fridge, it’s easier to choose what to eat for dinner. Lastly, we recommend enjoying fresh produce as soon as possible. Many vegetables can last up to two weeks when stored in the fridge, but they’re best when eaten as soon as they’re bought.