Summer has arrived, and with it, and abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables just waiting to be eaten. There’s a reason June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!
While specific crops and harvest dates vary from region to region, most areas will see the return of fresh apricots, blueberries, cherries, cantaloupe, kiwi, peaches, nectarines, strawberries and watermelon this month. Time to celebrate! There’s nothing like biting into a slice of juicy watermelon on a hot summer day. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try making apricot salsa. The sweet apricots mixed with the heat from the habanero pepper make this a great summertime snack or hors d’oeuvre. It can even be used as a marinade for pork or steak, or as a topping for black bean enchiladas.
When you’re firing up the barbeque this season, balance out the burgers and brats with dishes that make use of all the great produce available. Summer veggies to start looking for are beets, corn, green beans, cucumbers, peas, Yukon gold potatoes and yellow squash. Try roasted beet salad or add lemon to green beans for a citrusy, summery flavor.
For dessert, whip up this fruit tart—cinnamon crust, banana vanilla and slices of your favorite seasonal fruits—light, creamy and refreshing!