This is our favorite time of year for an “Eating What’s Now” blog! Why? Because there’s so much fresh produce in-season right now! Summer is the absolute best time of year for produce in the DC area! Brown Bag uses fresh, local produce whenever possible, so we say, “Bring on summer!”
Here’s a list of produce that’s in-season, by month. Take a look, then hit your local farmer’s market for the best fruits and veggies in DC!
[column-group] [column]June
Blueberries
Cherries
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Asparagus
Beans (Snap)
Beets
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Okra
Onions
Peas
Potatoes
Summer Squash
Turnips
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[column]
July
Blackberries
Blueberries
Melons
Cherries
Peaches
Plums
Raspberries
Beans (Snap)
Beets broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Okra
Onions
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Summer Squash
Tomatoes
[/column]
[column]
August
Apples
Blackberries
Blueberries
Figs
Grapes
Melons
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries
Beans (Snap and Lima)
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Okra
Onions
Peppers
Potatoes
Summer squash
Winter squash
Tomatoes
[/column]
[/column-group]
Why would you want to eat pumpkin in July? It’s like eating watermelon in January! You can try it, but we promise it won’t taste as good when you eat it out of season. Take a cue from your ancestors, and eat what’s growing right now—nothing will taste better. When you eat local, you’re not only supporting your local farmers and economy, but you have the benefit of actually knowing where your food came from. You don’t have to eat peaches from Chile when peaches are coming in right now in Virginia, Maryland and DC! When it comes to fruits and veggies, other countries have different rules and regulations regarding things like pesticides. Even if you don’t eat organic produce, that’s worth thinking about. Some produce is more likely than others to retain pesticide residue. We’ve talked about it before: As a general rule, watch out for tree fruits, leafy greens and berries because they tend to have more pesticide residue than other fruits and vegetables. But if you’re buying from a country with laws that are even less strict than the US on pesticide regulation, then what are you eating? Organic or not, those peaches grown up the street are generally a safer bet (and better for the environment to boot!).
So, whip up some fruit salads, strawberry shortcake and fruit pies! Make skewers of squash, zucchini, potatoes and peppers and grill them with a touch of olive oil! Boil some corn and have a Maryland-style crab feast! Layer fresh mozzarella with basil on tomatoes from the garden with balsamic vinegar! Make a fresh salsa before your cilantro bolts with the heat! And take it all outside for dinner al fresco! Have a picnic. Enjoy all the health and freshness that summer has to offer before the warm weather fades into another winter.
And if you have a minute, let us know: What’s your favorite farmer’s market?
