Eating Seasonally: What’s Ripe in June & Why It Matters

Eating seasonally isn’t just a culinary trend—it’s a health-conscious lifestyle that supports your body, your budget, and the planet. June is a vibrant month for fresh, ripe produce packed with flavor and health benefits. Here's what to look for at your local farmers' market or grocery store:

Strawberries

Sweet, juicy, and antioxidant-rich, strawberries in June are at their peak. They’re packed with vitamin C, fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote heart and skin health.

Try them in this refreshing Tuscan Kale and Strawberry Salad with Fresh Basil and Mint. It combines ripe strawberries with kale, basil, and mint for a bright, seasonal dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Spinach & Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and chard are abundant in early summer. These leafy greens are loaded with iron, folate, and magnesium—important for energy production, red blood cell health, and muscle recovery.

Looking for a plant-powered meal idea? Try Pan-Fried Tempeh with Chard. It’s a savory, satisfying way to use Swiss chard while adding high-quality plant protein to your plate.

Asparagus

This spring-to-summer crossover vegetable supports digestion and liver function. It’s rich in prebiotic fiber and folate, great for gut and brain health.

Cherries

Fresh cherries are more than just a sweet treat. They contain melatonin, which supports sleep quality, and anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and support joint health.

Zucchini & Summer Squash

These versatile vegetables are low in calories and high in hydration, perfect for supporting digestion and healthy weight maintenance. They also provide vitamin A for eye and skin health.

Peas

Green peas are a surprising source of plant-based protein and B vitamins. Their fiber content helps balance blood sugar and supports heart health.

For a comfort food spin on seasonal eating, try the Mushroom and Leek Risotto with Peas. This creamy, savory dish is packed with fiber and flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner with a nutritional punch.

Radishes

These crunchy, peppery roots are excellent for liver detoxification and are rich in vitamin C and potassium.

Why Seasonal Eating Matters

Nutrient density is highest when produce is picked at peak ripeness. Seasonal foods are often more affordable, taste better, and are more environmentally friendly since they don’t require long-distance shipping or artificial preservation. Choosing what’s in season helps you eat with the rhythms of nature and gives your body exactly what it needs in that moment—like hydrating foods during the warmer months.

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Quick Tip: Plan your weekly meals around what’s fresh and local. June’s bounty makes it easy to build colorful salads, blend nutrient-rich smoothies, or snack on fresh fruit straight from the fridge.

Enjoy the taste of summer while supporting your health, one ripe bite at a time.

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