By Grace Barker

Summertime in North Carolina is one of the best times of year to enjoy local produce. There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly ripe cantaloupe, tossing together a sweet onion-and-pepper sauté to serve alongside grilled chicken, or making a fragrant basil pesto for dinner with friends. And no ingredient captures the season quite like watermelon. Whether you’re gathered around a picnic table, lounging by the pool, or reaching for a late-afternoon snack, few things are as refreshing as a cold, juicy slice on a hot Carolina afternoon.

Is it just phenomenally better because it’s hot out? Maybe. But it’s also because July is peak watermelon season along with a variety of other produce.

Not only is seasonal produce more nutrient-dense, but it’s one of the best ways to access exceptional flavors with each meal you make. Eating seasonally and locally is also a more sustainable approach, putting money right back into the economy where you work, play, and live.