Summertime in Indiana brings a colorful array of fresh, tasty produce that you can’t find any other time of year. Many people have bountiful gardens, often producing more than they can consume. Whether you’re the lucky recipient of extra produce or trying to share your surplus, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these summer treasures without increasing food waste.
Often, we try vegetables in one way, decide we don’t like them, and give up. However, sometimes it takes experimenting with different preparations to discover a new favorite. Take beans, zucchini, and spinach, for example. Many people claim they don’t like these vegetables, but when chopped, seasoned, and tucked into a quesadilla, they become irresistible.
Summer is a fantastic time to introduce children to new fruits and vegetables at their peak flavor. Involve them in growing, picking, and preparing the produce. When kids contribute to the process, they’re more excited to try the results. The pride in eating something they’ve helped create can make a significant difference in their willingness to explore new foods.
Here are some simple ways to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and make the most of your summer produce:
• Experiment with New Ingredients: Select a dish for dinner and add one new vegetable ingredient to it.
• Incorporate Veggies in All Meals: Vegetables are wonderful in an omelet or as part of any meal.
• Share Your Harvest: Going to a cookout? Bring a veggie tray to share.
Create Delicious Dips: Make dips like hummus, dill, or ranch to enjoy with raw or cooked vegetables.
• Preserve Your Produce: Freeze, can, or dry your surplus. Many foods, like cucumbers, can be pickled and kept in the fridge if you don’t have a canner.
Store Produce Properly: Keep your produce in appropriate locations to maximize shelf life.
Recipes to Try:
• Melon Salsa: Use any melon, onions, and hot peppers for a refreshing and spicy treat.
• Stuffed Summer Squash: Utilize zucchini or yellow squash, tomatoes, rice, and your protein of choice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
• Homemade Tomato Sauce: Preserve your excess tomatoes by making homemade tomato sauce, perfect for soups or pasta throughout the winter.
By trying these ideas, you can enjoy the best of Indiana’s summer produce while minimizing food waste. Happy eating!
Monica Nagele is the Montgomery County Extension Educator and County Extension Director, Health and Human Science. She is a registered dietitian. The Extension office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at mwilhoit@purdue.edu.
