Three Ways to Enjoy Summer’s Sweets

When you consider the list of foods in season during the summer months, it becomes clear that nature knows the season caters to sweet and refreshing tastes! All of the melons, berries, and even vegetables provide hydration while satisfying the summer night’s sweet tooth.

Enjoy the following naturally sweet fruits and vegetables in season, anywhere from June - September, where the flavor and nutrient is at their peak:

• Apricots
• Beets
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Corn
• Figs
• Honeydew Melons
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Raspberries
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon

Any of these will taste sweet enough when consumed raw and on their own, but you can mix n’ match for extra nutrients and flavor together, like these summer fruit salads:

Minty Melon Mix

• 2 cups diced watermelon
• 2 cups diced cantaloupe
• 1 cup diced honeydew melon
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
• Optional: fresh squeeze of lemon or lime juice

Basil Berry Salad

• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 cup sliced peaches
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Another way to enhance the already-sweet flavors of summer? Grill your fruits and veggies! You can put them right on the grill, or wrap in foil for easier clean-up, and less chance of cross-contamination if you’re also grilling proteins such as meat or fish.

Heather Caplan is a registered dietitian and running coach based out of the San Jose, CA area. She’s usually training for a marathon, traveling, teaching or practicing yoga – or all of the above! You can find her life anecdotes or work with her over at HeatherCaplan.com.

Main Photo Credit: Mauro Pezzotta/shutterstock.com