Summer is a season when many fruit and vegetables are “in season”. What this means is that these fruits and vegetables are more plentiful and lower in cost. Take advantage of locally grown produce to really taste fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness. During other seasons produce is shipped from other parts of the country or world. Cost of these foods increase due to shipping costs, plus flavor and nutrient quality are often diminish due to travel times.
Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. Not only are these foods full of vitamins and minerals, they are great sources of dietary fiber, and phytochemicals. They are also a low calorie addition to a diet. An average 1 cup of fruit contains 60 calories and an average 1 cup of vegetables contains 25 calories. A healthy diet should contain 5 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
For information on particular fruit and vegetables, a list of “in season” produce, and recipes visit, http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/.
For a list of local farms and farmers markets visit, http://www.localharvest.org/
