What’s in Season – Summer

It’s finally Summer yay!! That’s means it’s time for a ‘What’s in Season’ post. Something we pride ourselves on at The Organic Place is providing fresh, quality fruit and vegetables (that are of course all certified organic!) This means we select from what is currently in season. Here are some of the fruits and vegetables you can expect to be available during Summer along their benefits and some interesting facts!

Bananas: A good source of vitamins C and B6, dietary fibre and potassium. Bananas also provide complex carbohydrates and energy, with a medium banana (1509) providing 370kJ. Bananas are a good source of folate, with a medium banana yielding approximately 12% of the recommended daily intake. Bananas can be used to treat hangovers, morning sickness and help fight depression, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness.

Blueberries: A good source of iron, fibre, folate, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamins C, B6 and K. Helps promote healthy bones, decrease blood pressure, and promote good heart health.

Cherries: Low GI, a great source of Vitamin C and K, fibre and manganese. Helps reduce inflammation and muscle, promote good sleep, and lower the risk of stroke. Aids digestion and weight loss.

Mangoes: A good sources of  copper and potassium. They also contain magnesium, manganese, selenium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Rich in Vitamins C and A and a good source of Vitamins E, B and K.

Oranges: High in Vitamin C, fibre and folate. Helps to build immunity, fight off colds, lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of kidney stones and protect respitory health.

Nectarines: A rich source of minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, and copper. Low in calories, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, and are a good source of dietary fiber.

Strawberries: One serving of organic strawberries contains 160 percent of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin C. Strawberries are also high in folate, which is especially important for pregnant women. A serving of strawberries has 2 grams of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. They are also high in antioxidants and flavonoids; compounds which have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.

Watermelon: Are 92% water and make a great, fat free, hydrating summer snack. Contains Vitamins A, B6 and C, lycopene, antioxidants, amino acids and potassium. Low in sodium and calories.

Asparagus: A good source of fiber, folate, Vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.

Avocados: A great source of ‘healthy fat’, pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin C. They contain more potassium than bananas and help to fight high cholesterol.

Beans: High in protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including copper, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. Helps to lower cholesterol, manage diabetes and fight miagraines.

Celery: Rich in vitamin K and also contains folate, vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin C. Despite being mainly water, celery also provides a fair amount of dietary fiber.

Cucumbers: 95% water, low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Aids digestion and heart health, fights inflammation, freshens your breath

Onions: Low in calories and chloesterol. Fights heart disease, promotes a healthy skin complexion and hair, increases energy. Good source of vitamin B6 and manganese.

Sweetcorn: A great source of dietary fibre, vitamin B. zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. Helps promote healthy skin and vision.

Tomatoes: Helps to improve eye sight, good stomach health, and reduced blood pressure, as well as providing relief from diabetes, skin problems and urinary tract infections. They can increase digestion, stimulate blood circulation, reduce cholesterol levels, improve fluid balance, protect the kidneys, detoxify the body, prevent premature aging, and reduce inflammation and related conditions. Tomatoes consist of a large number of antioxidants that have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.

Zucchini: Good source of vitamin A, magnesium, folate, potassium, copper, and phosphorus . This summer squash also has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, niacin, and protein. Moreover, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, and calcium.

What’s your favourite Summer fruit and veg?