From Our Table to Yours: July Eat Seasonably
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 July?
Corn
Corn is the first sign of summer produce beginning to introduce a little bit of fall! Because of its high fiber content, corn supports digestive health. Whether you grill it on the Fourth of July or chop it up for a summer salsa, corn is a great source of B vitamins which are essential to your overall health and energy levels. It also provides your body with essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and more.
For an extra source of magnesium, try Truvani Magnesium for a good night’s rest.
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!
Blueberries
These poppable bites of goodness are one of the greatest sources of antioxidants! Why does that matter? Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, improve circulation and support skin health. Blueberries are a perfect healthy snack because they are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C and K.
Amp up your snack game with blueberries and The Only Bar by Truvani.
Cherries
Ever had a fresh cherry from the farmer’s market? Run, don’t walk, to the market this weekend and get some for the week… they’re incredible. The vibrant colors of cherries come with rich antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to support overall health.
These juicy bites of heaven also contain fiber to aid in digestion. Add them to your charcuterie board, dip them in organic dark chocolate or try our Radiant Recharge cherry smoothie.
Apricot
Perhaps one of the best parts of summer is that it’s stone fruit season! The stone fruit section at the farmer’s market is always the main attraction, for good reason. Apricots are one of the juicy stars of the show, boasting a wide profile of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
They are a great hydrating fruit, supporting eye, skin and gut health. Blend in your smoothie or sip apricot tea poolside for a refreshing summer treat.
For extra gut health support, try Truvani Probiotics.
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.
Broccoli
Raw broccoli contains 90% water and almost no fat. Pretty great, right? This classic veggie has three varieties: Calabrese broccoli, sprouting broccoli and purple cauliflower (despite it’s name, it’s still in the brocc fam!).
Raw or cooked, broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, minerals and especially vitamin C. Stir fry, steam or cook it up however you please for nutritional goodness loaded in every bite!
Truvani Protein + Greens offers even sneaky greens (including organic broccoli powder) with sprouts and our classic vanilla plant-based protein.
Potatoes
French fries count as a vegetable, right?! While fried potatoes may not be the healthiest, there are many other ways to prepare them for a healthy side dish. Potatoes have a lot of fiber, which support weight loss and digestive health by keeping you full for longer.
“Resistant starch” is the fiber found in potatoes, which causes less gas than other sources and acts as a prebiotic in the gut. Before you deem potatoes “unhealthy” try making them at home by baking, mashing and roasting! The possibilities are endless.
Strawberries
Whether you eat them raw, in jams or on top of your dessert, strawberries are a sweet and nutritious addition to your diet. Packed with antioxidants and plant compounds, these juicy bites of summer are great for skin, heart and immune health.
Strawberries are also a wonderful source of vitamin C. If you need an extra boost, try Truvani Vitamin C, made with organic amla berries.
Fennel
You might know fennel for it’s robust, licorice-like flavor. Not only does it add a unique taste to any dish, but fennel offers a variety of health benefits. The fennel bulb and fennel seeds are packed with antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals and can be roasted as a side dish or chopped finely raw in salads.
For an extra anti-inflammatory boost, try Truvani Turmeric Curcumin.
Garlic
If you’re like us, you know there’s no such thing as too much garlic. Not only does garlic add a delicious flavor to any meal, but it also has incredible health benefits (which is exactly why it is one of eight ingredients in Truvani’s Immune Support tablets).
Used in cuisine all around the world, garlic is low in calories and high in vitamin B6, vitamin C and manganese. It can be used as an immune booster to battle sickness, including the common cold. It’s an easy addition to any dish that you can feel great about!
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