June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!

Guess what?! June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!

This is not a joke. June has been designated (by whom, we don’t know) National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Unfortunately, you won’t get a day off from work or school to celebrate, but don’t let that stop you from having a Fruit and Vegetable Party!

This month, why not try something new? Like:

Kohlrabi (See Orange Kohlrabi Salad recipe)

Dragon Fruit (See Açai Energy Bowl)

Romanesco Cauliflower/Broccoli (see Cauliflower and Capers)

Tat Soi (just throw in a salad or sauté with garlic and EVOO)

… and others that you might have seen but had no idea how to prepare.

By the time June rolls around in North America, most cities’ farmer’s market are open and bustling. Crops begin filling each stand, and the variety increases daily. June is not only a great time to eat more fruit and vegetables, but it’s also the best time to create a new habit: shopping at your local farmer’s markets.

One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to visit the local farmer’s markets and taste fresh produce from that area.

From Provence, France…

…to Rome, Italy…

…from California…

…to Mexico!

There are many good reasons to eat fruit and vegetables, beyond all of the health benefits you’ve heard so much about. Here are some that come to mind:

There’s no confusing label to decipher!
In most cases, you don’t even need to cook them!
Some come in their own biodegradable wrapper (like bananas).
They’re pretty!
People are very impressed when you know the name of unusual or exotic produce.

As you wait for the next farmer’s market, go to Find a Recipe and look for previously posted recipes featuring delicious fruits and vegetables. Or, just make up your own creative salads!