Snack Your Way through Summer during Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and there is no better way to enjoy your summer than with a delicious, juicy and healthy treat. Not only are fruits and vegetables incredibly nutritious, they add color to any dish while also giving you a fresh burst of flavor at barbecues, dinner parties, or after long days spent in the sun. Here are two great tips for getting more fruits and greens on your plate this season.
Seasonality
To keep flavors high and costs low, it is best to shop for fruits and vegetables that are in season. June kicks off the summer with fresh tastes for every palate. Corn and lettuce are at their peak in June, and can be used for a multitude of dishes. Corn on the cob is perfect for any barbecue, and corn can be used for everything from dips to chowders. Fresh lettuce makes the perfect base for summer salads, giving your dish the perfect crunch.
Fruits are ideal for summer because they add a healthy sweetness to those hot days. Watermelon, strawberries, and peaches are some of the fruits in season for June, and all can be used to make any meal sparkle. Watermelon is great as a snack, or perfect for use in a watermelon, mint, and feta cheese salad. Strawberries are great for picnics with some whipped cream, or for a topping on any yogurt or ice cream. Peaches are also a delightful addition to summer pies and cobblers, and are great for snacking with cottage cheese.
Planning Ahead
Fruits and vegetables deliver on flavor and color, but these fresh meal additions tend to have sensitive shelf lives. Make a list before heading to the grocery store to not only save you time while shopping, but also avoid taking multiple trips. For shoppers with limited mobility, having a plan of action can come in especially handy, as you’ll be able to determine if you’ll need assistance loading groceries into your wheelchair accessible van or if this is a quick trip you can take on independently.
A great alternative to the grocery store to keep in mind, farmer’s markets are a fantastic place to pick up fresh fruits and veggies from local sources, and most are extremely wheelchair accessible, located in parks and parking lots.
Do you have any other tips or ideas for making the most out of summer fruits and vegetables? Be sure to let us know on NMEDA Facebook and NMEDA Twitter—we want to hear your thoughts!
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.