At Farrell’s, we know how important it is to have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet on a daily basis. Optimal nutrition is vital to your success with our kickboxing and strength training routine, and is a great way to nourish your body and show it how much you care!
Did you know that some fruits and vegetables can only grow at certain times of the year? This is what we refer to as seasonal produce. This explains why at the grocery store, if you buy produce that is “out of season”-it might taste bitter, or “off”, and when it is in season, it is at its absolute most flavorful.
Here are some of the best times to buy or harvest popular fruits and veggies in the Midwest.
Strawberries: May through June
When you pick strawberries, larger berries aren’t always better. Try to gauge the berry by how shiny it is, how richly it is colored, and how good it smells.
Corn: July through September
As you know in the midwest, corn on the cob is a summer staple (hello Minnesota State Fair!) When selecting your corn, look for firm and plump ears, which signal they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Blueberries: July through August
When picking blueberries, look for berries that are a nice blue color, plump, and have smooth dry skin. If the berries are light green in color, they need a little more time on the vine.
Peppers: July through October
There are tons of different delicious peppers out there-but to select the best ones, select ones that have shiny and firm skin on the outside. Fun fact: Did you know that red, orange and yellow bell peppers are ripened green bell peppers?
Apples: July through October
In Minnesota especially, we have a variety of apples from pink lady, to gala, to Mcintosh. When you hit the apple orchard with the family, search for apples that the outer skin feels firm to the touch, with minimal bruises or blemishes.
Watermelon: August through October
And now to my favorite fresh produce-watermelon! When you want to do your best Gallagher impression-search for a watermelon that has darker green skin, it should be heavy to hold, and sound hollow when you knock on it.
Happy produce picking y’all!
