Healthy Food, Closer to Home: What's in Season Right Now?

Healthy Food, Closer to Home: What's in Season Right Now?

Enjoy fresh seasonal foods that support better health.

There’s something special about summer in South Jersey. Maybe it's picking up fresh sweet corn on the way home from the beach, stopping at a roadside farm stand for a basket of peaches or sharing a bowl of local blueberries after a day in the sun.

Those familiar summer moments come with an added benefit. Many of the fruits and vegetables harvested this time of year offer their best flavor and nutritional value. Filling your plate with seasonal produce is a simple way to eat well and support a healthy lifestyle.

Right now, farm stands and markets across South Jersey are bursting with summer favorites. Blueberries, one of New Jersey's signature crops, are packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and support overall health. They're also a good source of fiber and vitamin C, making them a simple snack or a great addition to yogurt, oatmeal or salads.

Peaches bring natural sweetness along with vitamins A and C, nutrients that support healthy skin and immune function. They're delicious on their own, sliced into cereal or blended into smoothies for a refreshing summer treat.

Sweet corn is another local favorite. While many people think of corn as simply a cookout side dish, it also provides fiber, B vitamins and essential minerals. Grilled, boiled or added to salads, it's an easy way to enjoy one of the season's most iconic vegetables.

Vine-ripened tomatoes are another summertime staple. Rich in vitamins C and K, tomatoes also contain lycopene, a plant nutrient associated with heart health. Whether layered on a sandwich, tossed into a salad or enjoyed fresh with a sprinkle of herbs, they're one of the easiest ways to add color and nutrition to your meals.

Whether you're heading home from the beach, exploring a local farmers market or gathering around the table with family and friends, the best flavors of summer are never far away. This season, take advantage of South Jersey's fresh harvest and make seasonal produce part of your meals. It's a simple way to savor the flavors of summer while supporting your health and local farmers.