There is so much to love about summer. The longer days, often spend splashing in the pool under the bright sun. The way we linger outside as the sunset paints the sky and the lightning bugs begin to glow. The lazy mornings spent sleeping in, the change in routine and pace in our lives, even if it’s just for a week or two when we change locations for a vacation. Summer is, indeed, a beautiful season.
It’s also one of the best seasons for fruit! Lush peaches, juicy watermelon, tasty mangoes, ripe nectarines, sweet cherries, fresh blueberries, and strawberries – there are so many good ones to choose from. These summer staples can be easily found at local grocery stores or farmer’s markets so it makes it easy to keep them stocked. I know my fridge and fruit bowl always have a few of these staples all summer long.
Not only do these fruits provide good nutritional content – blueberries are full of antioxidants and are high in potassium and vitamin C, cherries help with arthritis and inflammatory conditions, watermelon helps you hydrate and relieves muscle soreness – but they are a great compliment to a meal or a for a quick snack. Throw a handful of blueberries in your breakfast yogurt, add fresh cherries to your plate at a picnic and keep watermelon slices chilled and handy for kids to grab for a refreshing snack.
If you like dessert with your dinner but find some sweets are too heavy in the summer, grab some fruit! Add a dollop of whipped cream to a bowl of fresh berries or top a vanilla ice cream with freshly sliced peaches. Yum!
Another great way to enjoy a lighter summer dessert is a slice of pie with a fresh fruit filling. A pie filled with strawberries is one of my favorites! A local farmer’s market is the perfect place to pick up the fruit to make a pie, too. Never been to a local farmer’s market? Add it to your summer bucket list! Get the family together and everyone can help pick the produce. Here are a few we’d recommend checking out:
- 2nd Street Market – 600 E 2nd Street, Dayton
- Oakwood Farmer’s Market – 22 Orchard Street, Dayton
- Shiloh Farmer’s Market – 5300 Philadelphia Drive, Dayton
- Northmont Community Market – 8383 N Main Street, Dayton
Like most things in the summer, soak it up and enjoy the yummy fruits, the longer days, the fun of it all. After all, August is knocking at the door.