Try Local Fresh Fruit in Season

Summer provides a wealth of locally grown fruits. At my trip to the Lester’s Farm the weekend I took note of fresh fruit in season and hope to get back to purchase them each month.

Take advantage of the fresh taste that produce in season can provide with these SEASONAL suggestions!

• Fresh summer berries such as blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries make an elegant and tasty dessert with a dollop of low-fat whipped topping.

• When grilling outside, don’t forget the fruits! Summer fruits such as peaches, nectarines and plums can all be sliced and grilled to bring out wonderfully different flavors and textures.

• For your summer family gatherings bring iced melons to cut and serve on site for a refreshing snack! Summer melons include honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon.

• Farmers market, community gardens, and local produce stands are getting ever more popular in our province. Look around your community for local access to healthy, tasty produce.

The growing season in Newfoundland and Labrador is very short but all the sweeter for it. Check out the list below our province’s fruit in season:

APPLES, August through October

BLACKBERRIES, late August

BLUEBERRIES, late July through August

CANTALOUPES, August and September

CHERRIES, June and July

CRANBERRIES, October through December

MELONS, August and September

PEARS, August into October

RASPBERRIES, late July through early August, second crop at the end of September

STRAWBERRIES, end of June into July

WATERMELONS, August and September

Sourced from: www.healthykidschallenge.com and www.about.com

Kristin Harris is a registered dietitian with Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador.