Summer Produce

Friday, June 20, 2008 is the first day of summer. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. The official start to the summer solstice is 11:59pm EST. Form now until the fall remember that the produce in season packs a wallop of nutrition.

The markets will be full of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. To get the most nutrition bang for your buck try the following:

Cabbage: Great source of Vitamin C and fiber.

Cantaloupes: Good source of Vitamins A and C.

Citrus: Valencia oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are all good sources of Vitamin C.

Corn: Great source of fiber, linoleic and linolenic acid. These are great for your nerves, arteries and also your skin.

Lettuce: good source of Vitamin A, and Folic Acid. The darker it is the more nutrients it contains.

Melons: Good source of Vitamins A and C.

Peaches and Nectarines: Good source of Vitamin A and fiber if you eat the skin.

Summer Squash: Vitamin C and fiber if you you eat the skin.

Tomatoes: Good source of the antioxidant lycopene and Vitamin C. While the salmonella issue is here stick to cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, or better yet grow your own at home.

Make sure you eat a good variety of food including fruits and vegetables. Remember to eat your five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Have fun with Summer recipes and enjoy a great summer!!!