A new season is approaching quickly, which means that a variety of fresh produce will finally be available at the grocery store and farmer's market. I have nothing against frozen fruits and vegetable. They are a great alternative when you can not find certain produce that is out of season but there is something about fresh produce that makes me want to spend hours in the kitchen, cooking a delicious meal. As we get closer and closer to summer, new crops are hitting the shelves. Here is a list of 10 June produce options and some recipes for inspiration.
1. Asparagus
When picking out asparagus, look for bright green spears that have a firm stem and closed tips. These are signs that the asparagus is fresh and perfect for a nice home cooked meal. Don't know what to do with asparagus? Well, I've got you covered. Try this lentil bowl with a crispy fried egg.
2. Arugula
Arugula is a bitter green with a unique peppery taste and can be a bit spicy when compared to other greens such as spinach and lettuce. This vegetable is best eaten right away because it tends to lose its crispiness quickly, becoming limp and unpleasant. Arugula is usually used a substitute for greens in salad but if you want to make something a big more fancy, try out this Goat Cheese & Arugula Pesto Pizza recipe.
3. Beets
Beets tend to have a bad reputation because of their earthy taste but they are actually quite delicious if prepared properly. There are so many different recipes you can try with beets as the main ingredient, for example, this Citrus Beet Salad. If you are feeling more adventurous and have a sweet tooth, give this Vegan Chocolate Beet Cake a try.
4. Cherries
Cherries have an extremely short growing season, which is one of the reason why I am always excited for the return of summer. Whether you prefer sweet or sour, cherries are the ideal summer snack. Not only are they natural antioxidants, cherries help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Cool of during the summer with this easy Cherry Watermelon Sangria recipe along side a Cherry Cinnamon Roll.
5. Cucumber
Great for your skin and great for you body. Cucumbers help you stay hydrated because they have a high water content and their skin is rich in fiber. This tasty fruit (yes, it's a fruit) should definitely be incorporated into your diet. You can sneak them into your Chicken Pita Pocket or toss them into your next salad to add a bit more nutrients into your meal.
6. Eggplant
Eggplants are low in sodium but rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. Baked, roasted, grilled, fried? You can't go wrong. They are even amazing in a panini with creamy goat cheese and a yummy substitute for dough in pizza.
7. Green Beans
There is more to green beans than Thanksgiving green bean casserole. These beans are high in fiber, boost immunity and might even help control diabetes. Green beans are the perfect side dish and add a nice crunch to pasta.
8. Radishes
One of my favorite summer recipes is quartered radishes with sour cream, cottage cheese, a dash of salt and ground black pepper. If this doesn't seem like your cup of tea, toss them into your salsa or add them into your sandwich.
9. Rhubarb
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of rhubarb is rhubarb pie and that's a little boring. Why make pie when you can make a fancy-schmancy Rhubarb Hibiscus Crumble? This will surely impress your family and friends.
10. Strawberries
One of the best things in the world is walking past the farmer's market and getting a whiff of fresh strawberries. There is something about that smell that always reminds me of bright summer days. Without a doubt, strawberries are one of the most versatile fruits out there. You can do almost anything with them. Top your ricotta toast, incorporate in your next tart, toss them into a smoothie, or enjoy them on there own...with chocolate on the side.
Now, it's time to go to your local grocery store or farmer's market and pick up some seasonal fruits and vegetables.
#SpoonTip: Seasonal fruits and vegetables may vary by location. The 10 listed in this article refer to the Midwest.