Did you know that June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month? It’s a great time to take advantage of all the fresh produce that is starting to come into season and add some more colour to meals and snacks!

These are five great choices for early summer:

Cherries – cherry season starts this month. Their dark colour lets us know that they are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as being high in fibre and vitamin C. Cherries are great in sweet desserts and are also wonderful for a snack right out of the bag!

Strawberries – local strawberries taste so much better than the imported ones, and this is the perfect time of year to start looking for them in the stores. They have lots of vitamin C and fibre, and are rich in antioxidants. They are delicious and sweet in cold desserts or in smoothies.

Asparagus – local asparagus has a short growing season, so make the most of it while it’s available! It is a great source of folate, which is important for cardiovascular function. It also contains lots of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as B vitamins, potassium, and fibre.

Peas – fresh peas are sweet and delicious, either raw or cooked. Along with lots of vitamin C, they are also a good source of vitamins A, K, and B6. They are also a good source of fibre. To preserve their sweetness, they should be warmed, not cooked, and so it is best to add them at the very last minute in recipes.

Spinach – Local spinach should be arriving in stores near you. It is full of nutritional benefits, including fibre, protein, calcium, iron, and other minerals, and is also a great source of vitamins A, C, E, K and B6. Spinach is great raw or cooked in lots of recipes.

Buying produce that is local, fresh, and seasonal means more taste and more nutritional benefit. Remember to look out for these and many other great local options when you’re shopping!

Proactive Seniors are here for you! To find out more about any of our services, please visit our website at www.proactiveseniors.ca or call us on 403 809 1971.