Best Produce Picks for August

Chances are, if you have a favorite seasonal fruit or veggie it is currently available at a local farmer’s market or grocery produce section. August is one of the best months to purchase and devour those fruits and veggies you wait all year for just as Kramer and Newman went crazy when the Mackinaw peaches arrived in NYC, even if there is no such thing as Mackinaw peaches (season 6, episode 20).

Since August is such a great month for fresh produce, I give you my favorite produce picks based on personal preference and nutritional value. Some might not be available at your farmer’s market, but all should be available at your local grocery store.

• Bell peppers in all their rainbow goodness…red, green (which are just unripe), yellow and orange. They’re chock full of vitamin C (170% of your daily requirement), a good source of vitamin B6 for red blood cell production and vitamin E which promotes nerve and muscle health. They also, as do every fruit and veggie on this list, contain antioxidants, in this case, lutein and zeaxanthin. Oh yeah, they also contain iron which helps with oxygen transportation in your blood and prevents anemia. They’re great in salads, of course, and are also perfect for stuffing.
• Cherries, raw, not canned or within a high calorie pie. Full of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, cherries are the perfect summer fruit. Studies have shown that cherries, with their polyphenols, fight cell damage, reduce cell inflammation and studies suggest they prevent heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, certain cancers and relieve exercise induced muscle pain and inflammation.
  
• Mustard greens in all their peppery glory which can be mellowed out by boiling, steaming, sautéing, stir-frying or pickling. While mustard greens contain vitamins A, C, B6, E and calcium, iron, thiamine and magnesium, they are best known as a great source of vitamin K which aids with blood clotting and bone health. A vitamin K deficiency is linked to heart disease and osteoporosis. They also provide you with flavonoids, beta carotene and lutein. Yes, they can be eaten raw, but taste much better cooked.
• Berries including straw, black, blue and rasp. Berries are among the healthiest foods one can eat due to their low calories and high antioxidant, fiber, vitamins C and K1 content. They assist in lowering cholesterol levels, promote skin health and protect against certain cancers, to include esophagus, mouth, breast and colon. They also improve blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Radishes which are often overlooked due to their association with their horse radish-like flavor. Radishes come in numerous varieties: red, pink, purple and white. Regardless, these root veggies taste great in tacos (yes, tacos) roasted, and in salads. Radishes are a good source of vitamins C, B6, K, potassium, niacin, calcium and riboflavin and fiber. They also have antifungal properties that help prevent vaginal yeast infections and thrush.
• Cantaloupe represent melons on my list because they taste delicious, especially with a hint of salt and are refreshing on a summer’s morning. They contain more beta carotene than other fruits, more on par with carrots, and are a great source of vitamin C, folate (or vitamin B9) and fiber which helps you feel full longer as it slows digestion which may contribute to weight loss. Cantaloupes have been linked to the prevention of birth defects, certain cancers and age-related memory loss.
  
• Zucchini (why do I always forget the “h”?) can grow over three feet in length if allowed…random zucchini fact that can be worked into any conversation. Here’s zucchini’s nutritional list: vitamins A, C, K, B6, manganese, magnesium, potassium, folate, fiber and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. All these vitamins and nutrients contribute to eye, skin, gut, bone and heart health. They also may prevent certain cancers, especially prostrate, and may lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Apricots are also known as Armenian plums…random apricot fact that can also be worked into any conversation after the zucchini discussion. Not to beat a dead horse, but apricots contain the greatest hits of nutrients similar to the previous seven entries..vitamins A, C, E, potassium and the antioxidants beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. However, the skin of the apricot is a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber that improves gut health and can assist those seeking to lose weight.

There you have it, the produce I’m looking most forward to finding, buying, preparing, cooking and, most of all, eating this August. Just remember, with just about any fresh produce, you can’t go wrong in terms of health and nutrition.