Summer in Michigan provides an abundance of colorful produce to choose from and tons of farmers markets to find your favorites.
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of to a well-balanced, nutrient dense diet. They are nature’s fast food and provide many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber for overall good health.
The goal is at least five-a-day for better health, choosing from a rainbow of delicious colors daily.
Best in Season
As far as the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, if fresh is not an option at the time, frozen is the next best choice. Canned fruits and vegetables would be your third best option, but really, it is better to have them any way you can. As a dietitian, I would like to see you eating fruits and vegetables. Period. But don’t forget, if you are purchasing canned vegetables, try to get the “no salt added” variety for better health.
There are so many different kinds of produce that it is sometimes hard to keep track of what is in season. Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that are in season this summer in Michigan:
- Apples, July through October
- Arugula, May through September
- Asparagus, April through June
- Basil, July through September
- Beets, May through October
- Blackberrries, July into August
- Blueberries, July into August
- Broccoli, June through October
- Brussels sprouts, August through November
- Cabbage, June through November
- Cantaloupes, August and September
- Carrots, May through November
- Cauliflower, August through November
- Celeriac/celery root, August through October
- Celery, August through October
- Chard, May through September
- Cherries, June and July
- Cilantro, June through September
- Corn, mid-June through mid-August
- Cucumbers, July through mid-October
- Eggplant, July through mid-October
- Garlic, August through November
- Garlic scapes/green garlic, May and June
- Grapes, August and September
- Green beans, July through September
- Green Onions/Scallions, June through September
- Greens (various), May through November
- Herbs, various, May through October
- Kale, June through November
- Leeks, August through October
- Lettuce (various), May through October
- Melons, July through September
- Onions, August through October
- Parsley, May through September
- Peaches, July and August
- Pears, August through October
- Peas and pea pods, June through August
- Peppers (sweet), June through September
- Plums & pluots, July and August
- Potatoes, July through November
- Radishes, May through October
- Raspberries, June into August
- Rhubarb, April through June
- Spinach, May through October
- Squash (summer), July through October
- Squash (winter), August through November
- Strawberries, June and July
- Tomatoes, July through October
- Turnips, August through November
- Watermelons, August through September
- Zucchini, July through October
- Zucchini Blossoms, July and August
I love tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and asparagus in the summer. But really, I love all produce – I could never pick just one. What are your favorite summer fruits and vegetables?
If you enjoyed this post, check these out:
- How Michigan Produce Helps #KickCancer
- The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce
- Fall in Love with the Season’s Top Produce
Photo credit: PhotoMIX Ltd. from Pexels.
Author: A Healthier Michigan
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
