Summer bring many wonderful things: fun, sun, social gatherings, vacations and wonderful fruits and vegetables that are in season, fresh and plentiful!  Many experts say eating seasonally is important as our bodies need certain nutrients the seasonal produce provides.  For example, in the tropics we have an abundance of tropical fruits like pineapple, melon, papaya, mango, bananas and oranges which all contain potassium and water that replenishes our bodies in the heat.  When we eat seaonally, we help keep our bodies balanced.

Living in the northeast, we are a bit more limited on what fruits and vegetables are available for us to eat in the late fall and winter months.  But have no fear, summer is here  and, with it, brings wonderful berries, greens, beans, beets, herbs and more.  There are farmers markets out there to get the freshest produce and support local growers as well as CSA’s (Community Sponsored Agriculture) to join and receive weekly produce.  For more information or to find one near you, I suggest the following sites: www.localharvest.org  and www.farmfresh.org.

Another important reminder is to try to eat organically to ensure your food is free of chemicals and pesticides.  Organic food is a bit more expensive, so here is a guide for what is most important to buy organic, “The dirty dozen” and what is less affected by the chemicals “the Clean 15″. Check out http://www.foodnews.org for the lists of these foods or to download a walletguide.  Bon Appetite!