Each month, the earth provides us with a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Not only does this produce create delicious dishes, but also has many other benefits.

Seasonal eating is a great way to support your local economy, the planet, and your wallet. We’ve rounded up this month’s seasonal produce, but let’s break down why “Eating Seasonably” is so important…

Why is seasonal eating important?

It’s healthier for you🥬

Foods grown and harvested during the right season are packed with more nutrients. This is because foods have a natural growth cycle and ripening cadence that is perfected during certain times of the year.

When you find out of season produce in the store, it’s likely treated with ripening agents. These are chemicals, gases, and heat processes that speed up the ripening process so the food can go to market. Plus, some fruits and veggies are coated with an edible (we use that term loosely) film to protect it — which is why some apples feel waxy.

It’s better for your tastebuds🥦

Nothing beats fresh food picked from the garden. Farmers grow mass quantities of produce to meet global demands, but this is at the expense of taste.

When volume is the name of the game, farmers focus more on selective breeding to meet appearance standards and care less about overall flavor quality. Those strawberries may look pretty in the plastic carton, but they won’t taste as sweet as the ones from your local farmer’s crop.

It’s better for the planet🌎

Transportation is one of the largest producers of greenhouse emissions. When you pick up an apple from New Zealand in your California market, do you ever think about how it got there?

Long-distance travel doesn’t just affect the flavor and nutrient profile of your food. It also leaves a lasting market on the environment. Buying locally and in season reduces the amount of carbon used to transport the food from a farm to your table.

It’s easier on your wallet🍍

When local farmers can harvest seasonal produce, they have a surplus that sells at a more reasonable price. Think about those berries you buy out of season that are likely double the price. That grower has to pass along the cost of transportation and artificial ripening onto the consumer.

Now that you understand why seasonal eating is better, let’s dig into what you can find locally this month.

What seasonal produce should I look for in August?

Carrots

When you think of carrots, you might envision bright orange, but these nutritious root veggies come in five different colors! Carrots get their color from their high beta carotene content.

Perhaps all you know is that they’re good for your eyes (and the urban legend that you’ll turn orange if you eat too many!). Carrots are also high in biotin, vitamin K1, potassium and many other vitamins and minerals.

Is crunching on raw carrots not your thing? Try our Creamy Carrot Soup using Truvani Turmeric Curcumin.

Apples

Fall is just around the corner which means apple picking! Apples and nut butter might be one of your favorite snacks, but did you know just how good it is for you? This classic fruit is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep you full and nourished.

Apples also contain pectin, a fiber that acts as a prebiotic and promotes the growth of good bacteria. This means every time you eat an apple, you’re doing something good for your gut!

For more gut health support, check out Truvani Probiotics.

Peaches

Our favorite section at the farmer’s market is the stone fruit section, and not just for the free samples… Peaches are packed with nutrients and goodness to help you feel healthy from the inside out. Their robust nutrient profile is great for eye, skin, digestive and immune health.

Since peaches contain beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants, they help protect your body from aging and disease.

For more skin health support, try Truvani Marine Collagen.

Cucumber

Did you know cucumbers are 95% water? This fruit is a perfect hydrating snack to bring with you to the pool this summer (or muddle in your margarita). Cucumbers might be one of your favorite low-calorie salad toppings, but they pack a punch with important vitamins and minerals.

Dehydration is one of the top causes for constipation. Cucumbers can promote regularity as they are high in water and fiber. To maximize the fiber and nutrient content, keep the peel on it!

Tomatoes

If you love Italian cooking, or any cuisine for that matter, you’re no stranger to the deliciousness of tomatoes. This versatile fruit is often mistaken as a vegetable for it’s savory flavor profile, but that’s not all it offers…

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Usually red, you might see subspecies of tomatoes in orange, yellow, green, and even purple!

For another immune boost, try Truvani Vitamin C.

Cauliflower

Did you know that cauliflower is related to kale? Um yeah, us neither. Cauliflower is a great sneaky vitamin C boost to any smoothie. Add it in with Truvani Plant-Based Protein Powder to get the most out of your morning blend!

Cauliflower can be found in four different colors (pro tip: if you don’t like white cauliflower, you might enjoy the mild sweetness of orange cauliflower). It is an easy vegetable to prepare as a snack or side dish.

Zucchini

How do you prefer your zucchini: as fries, chips or roasted discs? This Italian summer squash is botanically classified as a fruit, although many think it is a vegetable. Because it is so rich in nutrients, zucchini has been used for centuries in folk medicine. It is high in antioxidants, water and fiber, which all support a healthy body. We love steaming and freezing zucchini to add some sneaky greens to our morning smoothie!

For another smoothie booster, try Truvani Plant Based Protein, available in four delicious flavors.

Cabbage

Alongside other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli, cabbage contains many antioxidants to fight inflammation in the body. Similarly, it is also rich in fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements and increases beneficial gut bacteria.

Cabbage is packed with vitamin C, an essential vitamin for many of our body’s functions. Vitamin C plays an important role in making collagen in the body, to promote flexibility and skin health. For an extra source of collagen, try Truvani Marine Collagen.

Green Beans

If you’re an active person, green beans are a great way to protect your body from injury or fractures. High in calcium and vitamin K, this vegetable is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones.

They are also high in other vitamins and minerals to support heart and gut health, while also aiding as an extra source of folate for pregnant women. They make a delicious side or snack as a fry substitute!

Peppers

Whether you prefer your food spicy or sweet, peppers add a versatile flavor profile to any dish. They come in many different colors, such as red, orange, yellow and green, but red bell peppers are known to pack the most nutrition because they have been on the vine longest. Compared to the green ones, red peppers have 1 ½ times more vitamin C.

You can eat peppers raw with dips or sautee them with some onions for fajitas. Spice up your diet with some more peppers!

Melons

Let’s finish August’s seasonal produce on a sweet note… melons! Some of your favorites might include watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, but did you know that even zucchini is considered a melon? As summer turns to fall, you’ll see more melon-esque produce popping from the ground, such as pumpkins and squash.

Melons are low in fat and sodium, but boast a high content of potassium and dietary fiber. They’re the perfect treat to close out summer!

Treat yourself to our Collagen Watermelon Delight Smoothie this month!