Living Healthy

Eating in Season ~ Summer

Sherry - 07/05/2026

☀️ Summer’s Bounty: What’s in Season

     We really are one with nature, and everything goes better when we are in sync. Eating seasonally is one of the best and easiest ways you can nourish your body. When produce is grown in its proper season, it contains the highest amount of nutrients, the least amount of synthetic interference, and—best of all—the absolute best flavor.

     We follow the circadian rhythm to stay in peak health. It's also true with the seasons. Mother Earth gives us the best options for food at the right time: spring greens for cleansing; summer berries and fruits for hydrating; squashes, root vegetables, and apples in the fall to warm us and keep us through the winter. 

     I would say most people plant a garden in the spring because they love eating good ol' garden vegetables. We love those fresh tomatoes, okra, cantaloupe, cucumbers, etc.  There is more to it than just loving the taste.  Freshness is actually what our body is craving. We want to throw off the heaviness of winter. We've eaten our cleansing greens, and now we want to stay lean and cool in the summer. 

     The heat of summer dries us out and we need to stay more hydrated. Those good ol' summer fruits like cucumber, watermelon, and cantaloupe are cooling and hydrating. Our bodies need that structured water.  Summer eating in season means more cool foods. Fresh dark green salads, melons, and berries are perfect for summer lunches. Dinners should stay on the lighter side as well.  Heavy foods will only make you feel sluggish.

Even drinking water can seem more refreshing by adding cucumber, berries, or lemon to your water.

     Eating lighter does not mean diminishing nutrients. We still need to make sure we have adequate protein and fats for our individual energy needs. Our carbs need to be from fresher options like the salads and berries. 

Quick tip here: When I say salad, I mean a real salad!  Add spinach, chard, cucumbers, berries, and even flowers to liven it up and give you plenty of nutrition. (Appetizing flower list below)

     Here is your quick-guide shopping list to bring the vibrant healing power of summer into your kitchen:

🍉 Hydrating Fruits

• Watermelon & Cantaloupe: Packed with water, vitamin C, and lycopene for heart health.

• Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries): High-fiber, low-sugar antioxidants that fight inflammation.

• Peaches & Plums: Sweet, stone fruits rich in vitamins A and C to support glowing summer skin.

🥬 Vibrant Greens & Herbs

• Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach & Chard): Your daily dose of magnesium to help calm the nervous system.

• Fresh Basil & Mint: Natural digestive aids that elevate any simple summer meal.

• Crisp Lettuces: High water content to keep you hydrated from the inside out.

🍅 Garden-Fresh Veggies

• Cucumbers: Excellent for flushing out toxins and reducing bloating.

• Tomatoes: At their absolute peak of flavor, bursting with heart-healthy antioxidants.

• Zucchini & Summer Squash: Gentle on the digestive tract and perfect for a light backyard grill.

Have fun using these satisfying tastes in various dishes.   Here is a fun thirst quencher to try. Recipe given by my AI friends. 

🍹 The Providential Hydrator: Watermelon Mint Elixir

Skip the sugary sports drinks and store-bought lemonades that cause energy crashes and inflammation. This easy, whole-food thirst quencher uses natural electrolytes and herbs to deeply hydrate your cells and soothe your gut after a warm summer walk.

Why it heals: Watermelon is over 90% water and loaded with potassium, while fresh lime juice provides a clean hit of vitamin C. Mint naturally relaxes the digestive muscles, making this a true "freedom drink" for your body.

📋 Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh watermelon cubes (chilled)

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped

• Juice of 1 large lime

• 6–8 leaves of fresh mint

• A tiny pinch of sea salt (for essential trace minerals and cellular hydration)

• Optional: Splash of sparkling mineral water

🥣 Simple Steps:

1. Blend: Place the watermelon, cucumber, lime juice, and fresh mint into your blender.

2. Puree: Blend on high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth and liquid.

3. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a completely smooth juice, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. If you like the extra fiber, leave it as is!

4. Finish: Stir in that tiny pinch of sea salt.

5. Serve: Pour over a tall glass of ice. For a fun, fizzy mocktail twist, fill the glass 3/4 full with the juice and top with a splash of sparkling mineral water. Garnish with an extra sprig of mint.

 

 

I told you I would share my list of edible flowers to beautify and liven up your salads, so here you go!

🌸 Nature’s Confetti: Beautiful Edible Flowers to Brighten Your Plate 🌿

Adding edible flowers to your summer dishes is a beautiful way to bring joy, color, and a touch of whimsy to your kitchen. Nature knows how to dress up a plate, and these gorgeous blooms are just as delicious as they are beautiful!

Here is a list of safe, edible flowers you can use to elevate your salads, ice cubes, and summer mocktails:

• 🌸 Pansies: These cheerful little faces have a mild, slightly sweet, and grassy flavor. They are perfect for pressing onto summer baked goods or floating in drinks.

• 🌼 Marigolds: Often called the "poor man's saffron," these bright gold blooms bring a beautiful color and a slightly citrusy, peppery kick.  (I love putting this in my homemade kombucha!)

• 💧 Borage: A stunning star-shaped blue flower that surprisingly tastes just like fresh, crisp cucumber!

• ☀️ Squash Blossoms: Soft, velvety, and mild. These are incredible when stuffed with a light herbed cheese or gently baked.

• 💙 Bachelor’s Buttons: Also known as Cornflowers, these deep blue petals have a lovely, subtle clove-like spice.

• 🌹 Rose Petals: Classic, romantic, and deeply aromatic. A beautiful, sweet addition to summer teas and fruit salads.  (Also my favorite flavor for kombucha and other drinks.)

• 💜 Lavender: A little goes a long way! These fragrant purple buds add a sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy flavor to iced drinks.

• 🎨 Nasturtiums: One of the most popular edible flowers, these boast a brilliant burst of color and a deliciously punchy, peppery flavor similar to watercress.

• 🌱 Arugula Flowers: Don't let your bolted greens go to waste! These tiny white and yellow petals pack a delicious, nutty, and peppery punch.

• 🌺 Begonias: These tart, juicy blossoms have a citrus-like flavor that pairs beautifully with crisp summer salads.

• 🧄 Chive Flowers: Beautiful purple globes that break apart into tiny petals boasting a gentle, savory onion-and-garlic note.

• 🌼 Chamomile: Small, daisy-like blooms that bring a sweet, apple-like aroma and flavor, perfect for a calming evening brew.

• 🌿 Thyme Flowers: Tiny but mighty, these delicate blossoms carry a milder, sweeter version of the herbal thyme flavor we love.

• 🥗 Cilantro Flowers: Delicate white clusters that offer a softer, gentler take on the bright, distinct flavor of fresh cilantro.

     As you can see, there is definitely no reason to have bland or boring food in the summer. Have fun with your food!  Bon Appetit!

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Photo by lise Timmer on Unsplash