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Tags: Summer Produce

 Many people find they have more time to cook throughout the summer. Summer BBQs are happening all around, and the longer hours of daylight allow us to spend more time enjoying a meal outside with friends and family. This is an excellent time to experiment with different flavors.

Late Summer Produce

Several types of produce are available during the warmer months. Some of our favorite late summer produce options include:

• Summer squash
• Tomatoes
• Peppers (both sweet and spicy)
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Corn
• Okra
• Basil
• Berries
• Melons
• Pears
• Apples

Many of these ingredients can be made into a delicious summer meal for yourself and/or your friends and family. Consider creating a fresh salad by combining green leaf lettuce with pears and Gorgonzola cheese. Tomatoes and basil pair well with fresh mozzarella for pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and pasta. Slices of eggplant are delicious when brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and placed under the broiler or on the grill until soft. There are a number of ways that fresh produce can be enjoyed.

Shop Local

When shopping for produce, consider visiting a local farmers market or farm stand. These markets offer a variety of locally grown produce, fresh picked from the vine. Many nutritionists agree that eating fresh produce is better for your health. Local farmers don’t use as many chemicals as commercial farmers, and eating seasonal produce is better for your body.

There are a number of farm stands and farmers markets throughout Northern Virginia. Many of these family-friendly markets offer a large selection of fresh seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers, and handcrafted items for sale. Although most of these markets are only open on weekends, a few are available on select weekdays as well.

Please visit the following link for a list of farm stands and farmers markets in Northern Virginia: https://www.northernvirginiamag.com/guides/farmers-markets/.

Northern Virginia Catering

Silver Spoon Caterers offers special event and corporate catering in Northern Virginia. Our experienced team uses only the highest quality ingredients including locally sourced produce. Please contact us for more information about our catering services.