Summer has arrived, which means it's time for one of my favorite summer activities: shopping at the Farmers Market. Not only is this a great way to support your local economy, but it also tends to have the freshest and tastiest produce.
If you're local to LA like me, check out this List of Local Farmers Markets for the best places to visit.
Now, let's dive into the top summer produce to check out at the farmers market and how to use it:
Cherries: These sweet yet tart fruits are filled with fiber and packed with antioxidants. They are the perfect summer snack for the beach and great in summer desserts like cobblers and pies.
Corn: Fresh corn is a staple of summer cuisine. It’s filled with insoluble fiber, making it a low-glycemic index food (which supports stable blood sugar levels). Grilled corn seasoned with paprika makes for the perfect BBQ side dish.
Watermelon: A staple summer fruit, watermelon is not only hydrating but also loaded with vitamins A and C. I recommend blending and freezing watermelon into ice cubes to add to fun summer beverages.
Tomatoes: Nothing beats a ripe, juicy tomato in the summertime. They're rich in lycopene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. I love snacking on grape tomatoes alone or throwing them into a fresh side salad for dinner.
Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are low in calories and support your hydration in the hot summer heat. They are great blended into smoothies and thrown into salads.
Peaches: A sweet summer staple filled with vitamins A & C. Peaches are perfect to throw into yogurt bowls, smoothies, and salads.
Zucchini: This versatile vegetable can be grilled, spiralized, or eaten raw. It’s packed with fiber and rich in vitamin B6. For a fiber packed summer recipe check out these 3 Sisters Tacos with zucchini, black beans and corn.
Peppers: Bell peppers, chili peppers, and other varieties thrive in the summer heat. They're rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. I love snacking on baby bell peppers with light cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning.
Now that you know my top summer produce recs, comment below which you are most excited about trying!