August is a wonderful month for enjoying the bounty of nature. Seasonal eating, focusing on fresh, locally grown produce, can boost your health in many ways. By choosing the right foods in August, you can maximize your nutrition and enjoy delicious meals.

 

 

The benefits of seasonal eating

Seasonal eating is a lifestyle choice that benefits both your health and the environment. By choosing produce at its peak ripeness, you enjoy superior flavour and maximum nutritional value.

Freshness and Flavour: In-season fruits and vegetables are harvested at their peak, meaning they’ve had time to fully develop their flavours and nutrients.

Support Local: Seasonal eating supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint. When produce doesn’t have to travel far, it retains more nutrients and tastes even better.

Budget-Friendly: In-season produce is often more affordable because it’s abundant. You get the best quality food for less!

While prioritizing seasonal produce is ideal, it’s not about restriction. Enjoy a variety of foods throughout the year and simply try to incorporate more seasonal options whenever possible. It’s a simple way to make a big impact on your health and the planet!

What’s in season in August?

August is a month of abundance. Many fruits and vegetables reach their peak during this time. Here’s a list of some of the best options:

• Fruits:
  • Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • Peaches
  • Plums
  • Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)
  • Figs

 

• Vegetables:
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Corn

These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Incorporating them into your diet can help you stay healthy and energized.

Easy, delicious and gluten-free recipes

Cooking with seasonal ingredients can be simple and fun! Here are 3 easy recipes to try this August:

 

Summer veggie stir-fry

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

 

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and corn. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

 

Peach and berry crisp

Ingredients:

• 4 peaches, sliced
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 or 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
2. In a baking dish, combine the peaches and berries.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruit.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
6. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

 

Grilled veggie skewers with herb marinade

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes in the marinade. Let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Thread the vegetables onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
4. Grill on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve similar results by cooking in a preheated air fryer at 200°C for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course.

Tips for buying and storing seasonal produce

In order to make the most of seasonal eating, it’s important to know how to buy and store your produce. Here are some tips:

• Look for vibrant colours and firm textures.
• Store fruits and vegetables separately to extend their shelf life.
• Use airtight containers for leafy greens to keep them fresh longer.
• Shopping at farmers’ markets is a great way to find fresh, local produce. Plus, you can also ask farmers for tips on selecting the best items and how to store them.

 

Staying hydrated with seasonal foods

August can indeed be very hot, and staying hydrated is crucial. Many seasonal fruits and vegetables have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated.

For instance, watermelon, cucumbers, and tomatoes are particularly hydrating. Incorporate them into your meals and snacks to help maintain your hydration levels.

Also, you can make refreshing drinks with seasonal ingredients. Try blending watermelon with a bit of lime juice for a cooling beverage. Or make a cucumber and mint infused water for a refreshing twist.

 

The environmental impact of seasonal eating

Seasonal eating is not only good for your health, but it’s also beneficial for the environment. Additionally, by choosing local, in-season produce, you reduce the need for long-distance transportation. This cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, supporting local farmers also helps to sustain the local economy and preserve farmland. It promotes biodiversity and reduces the reliance on large-scale, monoculture farming.

Consequently, through seasonal eating, you slowly but surely make small changes in your eating habits, and you can contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying nutritious and delicious food.

 

Seasonal eating: A simple step towards better health

Embracing seasonal eating can make a significant difference in your health. The foods in season are fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. As a result, they align with your body’s needs as the seasons change.

In August, the abundance of fruits and vegetables offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a variety of flavours and nutrients. From juicy berries to crisp cucumbers, there are endless possibilities to create healthy and satisfying meals.

Thus, head to your local farmers’ market or grocery store and start exploring the seasonal produce available. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

 

 

 

Seasonal eating is a powerful way to enhance your health and well-being. By focusing on fresh, locally grown produce, you can enjoy better flavour, more nutrients, and even save money. August offers a rich array of fruits and vegetables that can boost your nutrition and delight your palate.

In summary, remember to try new recipes, stay hydrated with high-water content foods, and support your local farmers. Seasonal eating is not just a dietary choice; it’s a lifestyle that benefits you and the environment.

 

Now take this opportunity to read my other article “Emotional Health Boost: Top 3 benefits incredible of physical exercise” to learn the influence that physical exercise can have on our health!

 

 

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