Unless you’re a regular at the local farmer’s’ market, it’s hard to keep track of what foods are still in season. Most produce items have traveled hundreds, even thousands, of miles to get to your grocery store. Knowing what foods are in season can incentivize you to reach for fresher options at the market, which tend to be more nutritiously dense. Luckily, there are some fruits and vegetables that are always in season. Here’s Health Fitness Revolution’s list of the best fruits grown year-round.
Apples
The United States is the second-largest apple producer in the world. That’s why most grocery stores carry a rainbow of different varieties. Apples are easily accessible and they provide a great source of nutrients. You should keep the apple skin intact to maximize the benefits of fiber, which promote a healthy digestive tract.
Bananas
Need some vitamin C and potassium? You can get both with just one fruit. They begin ripening immediately after harvest so don’t worry about the mild, brown spots that develop over time. These sugar spots indicate the level of sweetness as the fruit ripens.
Lemons
These vitamin C-filled fruits are so versatile. Use it to spice up your water, make a lemon tart, and/or enhance savory dishes. Incorporating lemons into your diet can prevent chronic diseases such as asthma and cancer.
Papaya
Their tropical origins let you enjoy this fruit even after summertime is over. Eating papaya prevents constipation and macular degeneration due to its soluble fiber and carotenoids, respectively.
Cherry tomatoes
Regardless of whether you consider them a fruit or vegetable, pick up a pack of cherry tomatoes and enjoy them on a kebab or in a salad. They have an abundance of antioxidants that lower cancer risk and they are high in two essential minerals that strengthen bones.
Bell peppers
Skip the pita chips and eat your hummus with bell pepper instead. These colorful vegetables may not be your go-to item if you’re looking for something spicy, but you’ll certainly want to keep in stock. Eating bell peppers can lower cholesterol and improve your immune system.
Bok choy
You may have seen this cruciferous vegetable throughout many Asian cuisines. Their balance of crunchy and leafy textures makes it enjoyable and digestible. Bok choy releases isothiocyanate, a phytochemical found to reduce the risk of cancer.
Carrots
Don’t reach for the baby carrots just yet. They’ve been processed to achieve their fun-size appearance. Stick to regular carrots, which are fresher (and healthier) because they’re closer to their original form. Carrots support your heart health, strengthen your eyes, and aid your liver in detoxification.
Kale
We may have passed “peak kale,” but this superfood is here to stay. And that’s a great thing. Similar to bok choy, kale is a great source of isothiocyanate and it contains vitamin A to promote healthier hair and skin. Marinating it with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and some olive oil will make kale more digestible. To get tender kale, massage it with olive oil 30 minutes before eating.
Potatoes
Who doesn’t love potatoes? You can prepare them as homemade fries or a hearty component of your vegetable soup. All potatoes -whether it’s a sweet, red skin, or white potato- will provide dietary fiber and starch without the addition of any refined sugars.
