Savor the Season: Fresh Eating with Summer's Local Bounty! Recipes Included!

Summer is here and that means all the fresh produce is hitting farm stands near you!  If you ask me, the best way to shop is always local produce, meats and other goodies, and summer brings us the perfect opportunity to support our local farmers.  Shopping locally not only supports your community but also ensures you’re getting the freshest, most flavourful fruits and vegetables. Eating in season food is a fabulous way to increase your nutrient and flavour intake, reduce your carbon footprint because your food isn’t travelling as far, and help sustain local farmers and businesses.  Here’s a guide to making the most of your summer produce shopping and some of my go-to summer recipes using the bounty of fresh produce available to you!

What to Look for in Summer Produce

Fruits

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are summer staples. Look for bright colors and firm textures.

• Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots are juicy and fragrant. Choose fruits with a slight give when gently pressed.

• Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews should feel heavy for their size and have a sweet aroma.

Vegetables

• Tomatoes: Look for deep, vibrant colors and a slight softness to the touch. Heirloom varieties offer unique flavours and colours!

• Corn: Fresh corn should have bright green husks and moist silk. Kernels should be plump and milky.

• Zucchini and Squash: Choose firm, shiny, and unblemished skins.

• Peppers: Bright, firm peppers with smooth skin are ideal.

Where to shop in the Kingston area: 

Salt of the Earth Farm in Kingston - they have a great pop up market in the west end at Days/Front Road.  Get there early if you want corn!

Limestone Organic Creamery - not just for milk, they offer lots of local products including make ahead meals, meats and cheeses. 

Wilton Cheese Factory - curd, curd, curd, and so much more!

Memorial Centre Farmers Market - you could spend hours (and $$$$) shopping there for all of your needs! Every Sunday.

Kingston Public Market at Springer Market Square - from flowers to plants, baked goods, preserves, fruits/vegetables and more.  Enjoy this beautiful outdoor market Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Try these recipes and please share your own with me!

Grilled Peach Salad w/ Maple Vinaigrette

2-3 fresh peaches, sliced and grilled

Arugula & spinach

Mint leaves

Cucumber

Fresh mozzarella or feta - cubed

Toasted pecans

Dressing 

4 tbsp EVOO

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup

Salt/pepper to taste

Blueberry Lemon Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake (store bought or made from boxed mix)

3/4 cup lemon curd

2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 cups fresh blueberries

1 1/4 cups icing sugar

Lemon zest

Put cake on cake plate, fill with lemon curd. Make glaze by combining lemon juice and icing sugar. Drizzle over cake. Add blueberries on top of lemon curd. Garnish with lemon zest.

Zucchini Fritters

2-3 cups of shredded zucchini

1/2 cup of flour

1/3 cup of beer

1 egg beaten

Salt/pepper to taste

Oil for frying. 

Mix all ingredients together until pancake like consistency. Add more flour/fluid as needed.  Heat oil in pan and drop in hot oil, pressing flat. *Cook until brown on each side.  Serve with sour cream or plain greek yogurt and fresh chives.