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.
Grocery stores may stock produce year-round, but for fruits and vegetables picked at their peak, your local farmers market is hard to beat. Wander the stalls and you’ll catch the scent of ripe peaches, pass crates overflowing with zucchini and yellow squash, and find more varieties of tomatoes than you knew existed.
If you’ve been waiting to savor summer produce, there’s no better time than July. With peak-season fruits and vegetables at every turn, it’s the easiest time of year to elevate your cooking. Next time you’re shopping, here’s exactly what to look for:
There’s so much beauty in variety, both for health and our overall enjoyment. No matter who you’re cooking for, everyone will love a flavorful dish with fresh ingredients straight from our North Carolina soil.
And remember, there is great beauty in simplicity. Whether you put together a three-course meal or bring a fresh bucket of fruit to a gathering, all of it will taste better because it’s in season.
Grace Barker is a holistic health coach, recipe creator, and the founder of Grace & Greens, where she shares nourishing recipes, weekly meal plans, and tips for building healthier habits. Through her community of 3,100+, she helps readers eat well and feel good.
Learn more: graceandgreens.com | instagram.com/graceandgreens.blog
Source: https://www.ncagr.gov/marketing/produce-availability-chart/open
