How to Enjoy Seasonal Vegetables & Fruits at Their Freshest

There’s a certain feeling you get while strolling around a farmers market this time of year. Maybe it’s the warm weather, fresh air, or tables piled high with just-picked produce. Everything just seems to look brighter and smell fresher, somehow making you want to eat better without even trying.

Farmers markets are some of the best places to find seasonal vegetables and fruits at the peak of freshness, from crisp lettuce and tender zucchini to juicy tomatoes, sweet berries, and fresh herbs. Because these foods are just-picked and don’t have to travel far, they usually taste better and contain more nutrients than produce that’s been shipped long distances to land on supermarket shelves.

Of course, it’s easy to get carried away and buy more than you were planning on when you head to a farmers market. Then you get home with bags full of fresh finds and wonder how you’re going to use it all before it wilts or spoils. If that sounds familiar, here are some simple tips for making the most of your farmers market haul from our dietitians so you can enjoy each and every bite of your fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits:

• Plan around what you bought. Instead of sticking to a set meal plan, let your farmers market finds take the lead. If you picked up zucchini, peppers, greens, or mushrooms, build meals around them. Toss everything into a stir-fry, roast it on a sheet pan, or pile it into a grain bowl or salad.
• Work vegetables into meals you already love. You don’t need brand-new recipes to take advantage of your delicious seasonal veggies. Just add what you bought into your usual meals. Throw spinach into scrambled eggs, layer extra veggies onto sandwiches, or mix chopped produce into pasta dishes.
• Make quick, no-fuss sides. Some of the best dishes are the simplest. Slice up cucumbers and tomatoes, roast a mix of vegetables, or grill whatever you have on hand. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon is all you need to let the natural flavors shine through.
• Don’t forget the herbs. Picking up some fresh herbs can really transform your meals into something special. Sprinkle basil over tomatoes, add cilantro to tacos, or mix fresh dill into chicken salad. Herbs enhance flavor with very little effort.
• Keep fruit where you can see it. Fresh fruit from farmers markets makes for easy and delicious snacks. Wash fruit and leave it out on the counter or front and center in the fridge. When it’s within eyesight, you’re much more likely to grab it instead of something less healthy.
• Do some prep right away. When you get home, take a few minutes to prep what you can. Wash and chop produce and store in clear containers. By taking care of prepping, it makes it easy for you to enjoy what you bought even when the week gets busy.
• Store things properly. Not all seasonal vegetables and fruits should be stored the same way. Leafy greens belong in the fridge, while tomatoes and stone fruit are better on the counter until they ripen. Wait to wash fresh berries until ready to eat to keep them fresher longer.
• Freeze what you won’t use. If you went a little overboard on buying seasonal vegetables and fruits, don’t let anything go to waste. A lot of produce freezes well. For example, berries, corn, greens, and chopped peppers can all be saved for smoothies, soups, or quick meals later on.

Shopping at farmers markets is not only a fun activity that gets you out of the house to enjoy some fresh air and exercise but it’s a great way to incorporate more seasonal vegetables and fruits into your diet. When you come home with produce from the farmers market, it just seems that the food tastes fresher and you’re more likely to enjoy what you’re eating, turning your weekend outing into an easy way to eat healthier all week long.