Summer has arrived in Colorado!!! So has the season of fresh summer produce! We love to use fresh, local, and seasonal produce in all our menu items. So, we thought we would share all the wonderful reasons we love local seasonal produce.
Perks of Eating Seasonally
Fruits and vegetables that have been allowed to ripen fully and harvested at their peak just taste better. Often picked before it ripens, out of season produce is put into refrigeration for transport, then warmed back up at your local market. This processing reduces the produce’s natural flavor and texture.
Fresh, seasonal produce also has a higher nutritional value than its more processed counterparts. This is because out of season produce often gets treated with wax, radiation, or gas to remove bacteria and preserve shelf life. Many useful antioxidants such as vitamin C and folate will rapidly decline the longer produce sits in storage for a long time.
Seasonal Produce of Colorado
Seasonal produce is better for your health and taste buds. Plus, getting your produce from local farmers helps reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Additionally, buying in-season produce from your region cuts out all the transportation, storage, and refrigeration that would happen with out of season or international produce. As a result, your local produce will tend to be cheaper.
Here is some of the produce that is in season for the Colorado Summer:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Plums
- Strawberries
More Summer Fruits
There are a variety of reasons why it can be difficult to only eat local, in season produce. Luckily, the many different climates of the United States allow for greater seasonal diversity in produce without having to rely on international imports.
Mangoes, Kiwi, and Banana are grown in the warm and humid coastal regions of the south. Avocados, a fan favorite, are harvested in the summertime in California.
Upcoming Farmer’s Markets Around Denver
The best place to snag the best seasonal produce is at your local farmer’s market! Not only will you be supporting local agriculture and economy, you’ll be getting the best tasting, healthiest produce you can! Thankfully, there are plenty of local markets happening all summer long in Denver and the surrounding areas.
Here’s a great website for finding out which local farmer’s market will best fit your busy summer schedule: Denver Farmer’s Markets
