Summer is all about fresh air, sunshine and enjoying the season's best foods, including an abundance of fresh, healthy vegetables at their peak of flavor. Summer vegetables are perfect for grilling; peppers, onions, zucchini, and eggplant are just a few seasonal picks that work well grilled by themselves or with other foods.
Summer is also the perfect time to get healthy by eating more fresh vegetables. Not only will you cut your risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and stroke; you'll encourage a lean physique by eating these naturally low-calorie foods. Head to your local produce stand and grab yourself some of these vegetables as soon as they're in season!
Seasonal Summer Vegetables
These are only a few of the amazing seasonal vegetables you can find in the summer, but these are the ones we think you really should be buying!
Corn
Of course we had to start our list with corn! Corn is so heavily associated with summer that you'd be forgiven for forgetting there are other vegetables in season during this time, too. Corn on the cob is easy to prepare, and beloved by so many.
If you've never grilled corn before, this is your sign to do so. Grilling corn is as easy as making it the traditional way. Introducing some smoky flavor to your corn will really elevate it to fantastic heights. Make sure to season it well!
Cucumbers
Notable for being mostly water, cucumbers are a great choice for those losing weight. Since they contain so much water, they're extremely low in calories. Cucumbers are very neutral-tasting on their own, so they need some seasoning or other accompaniments. They're usually put in salad, but you can get creative with them if you want!
Hollow out a cucumber and fill it with some cottage cheese. Slice it up and include it on a sandwich. Build a salad around cucumbers rather than lettuce. The possibilities are fairly unlimited! With a vegetable this healthy, it's important to include it in your diet whenever you can.
Eggplant
This one is somewhat polarizing, especially in comparison to the previous two vegetables. Eggplant is beloved by many, especially those who use it to make dishes like eggplant parmesan. Others despise it. Others still wish they could love it, but find themselves unable to digest it.
If you like eggplant, or if you've never given it a fair chance, pick some up this summer. The key to enjoying eggplant is to find the right recipe. You need to create a dish that takes advantage of eggplant's unique qualities, but that also adds extra flair on top.
Sweet peppers
Peppers are so interesting. They can be mild or so scorchingly hot you wonder if your mouth will ever recover. They're used on sandwiches, in salads, as garnish for a variety of dishes, and as the main star of their own recipes. Sweet peppers in particular are often used to add extra flavor without all the added heat.
Sweet peppers are a perfect choice for anyone with a low spice tolerance. They aren't completely mild, but they won't leave you running to the fridge to grab a glass of milk! Add them to rice or chicken for a great way to try them.
Cauliflower
This one certainly isn't popular with kids! Kids tend to be more sensitive to bitterness, so this vegetable doesn't always taste great to them on its own. Even adults can find it rather unpleasant. That's why it's so important to season it correctly. A little salt and pepper can go a long, long way.
Add some cheese to make it more appealing to children. If you want to keep it healthy, grab some low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese. The taste will still be great, but without all the added fat and calories. Cheddar is a popular choice for cauliflower.