What’s For Dinner

A Seasonal Food Guide: Summer Produce

Words by Ashley Locke

Produce is at its peak in the summertime. The warmer weather lends itself to an abundance of fresh, colorful produce. It’s the best time to eat local!

Farmer’s markets are in full swing during the summer season. Shopping at your neighborhood market is a great way of connecting with the people who actually grow your food! Another way to support local farms is through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. When you purchase a CSA membership, you receive a share—boxes of freshly picked produce delivered right to your door on a weekly or biweekly basis. 

The summer season is also a great time to learn new cooking skills. Extra produce is great for making jam, for canning, or for pickling. These techniques allow you to preserve and enjoy summer produce all year long! Summer ends in late September, but good eating doesn’t have to. 

Arugula

Avocado (put an avocado in a paper bag overnight to help it ripen quickly)

Beets

Berries (rinse berries just before eating them. If you wash them as soon as you get home, it can cause them to rot faster.)

Chard

Cherries

Corn

Cucumbers

Eggplant (eggplants are technically berries!)

Figs 

Green Beans

Herbs

Melons

Okra (when it comes to okra, bigger is not better. The larger pods are more fibrous and difficult to chew.)

Spinach

Peaches

Plums

Squash

Tomatoes (don’t refrigerate your tomatoes—it ruins the flavor and texture!)

Watermelon

Bell Peppers

Jalapeños