Summer's Bounty

Certain foods-- corn, watermelon, berries-- make me feel the summertime vibe... (My mouth is watering just thinking about them!) Seasonal fresh fruits & veggies tend to have preferred textures & tastes; be more budget friendly; & contain lots of healthy nutrients.

The NC Dept of Agriculture offers What's in Season, a great 12 month chart. Did you know that each color has its own health benefits? Learn more at Everyday Health's The Colors of Healthy Eating. Fortunately, summers in NC make it easy to "eat the rainbow" every day. Examples include:

Reds

* Watermelon
* Tomato
* Beets

Oranges & Yellows
* Corn
* Peaches
* Carrots

Greens
* Zucchini
* Kale
* Greens

Blues & Purples
* Blueberries
* Blackberries
* Plums

Whites
* Mushrooms
* Onions

For inspiration & tips, check out:
- Fruits & Veggies More Matters Summer- Fruits & Veggies (selection & storage tips are below list)
- Fruits & Veggies More Matters' Health Menu Ideas: Summer (includes recipes)
- EatingWell's Healthy Summer Recipes (recipes by product are below slideshow)