July Superfoods in Season

Buying foods in season offers numerous benefits including consuming ingredients during their peak freshness, being more cost-effective, supporting local farmers and reducing impact on the environment. Take a look at a few of the foods in season in July.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are typically in season during the warmer months of the year, from late spring through summer and into early fall. Bell peppers are most abundant and flavourful during the summer months, from June through August. During peak season, bell peppers are at their freshest, most flavorful, and most affordable. They come in various colours; green, red, yellow, orange, and even purple—and each colour offers slightly different flavours and levels of sweetness due to varying stages of ripeness.

Eggplant

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, has its peak season during the warmer months of the year, typically from July through October in many regions. It is most abundant and flavourful during the summer months. In warmer climates, such as the Mediterranean region and southern parts of the United States, eggplant may start appearing as early as late June and continue through September. They come in various shapes and colours, including the classic deep purple, as well as white, green, and striped varieties.

Summer Squash

Summer squash refers to a variety of squashes that are harvested during the summer months when they are young and tender. Zucchini, Yellow squash, Pattypan squash, and Cousa squash are types of summer squash that starts appearing in early summer, around June, and continues through the summer months into early fall.

Lettuce

While lettuce can be found throughout the year due to diverse growing regions and farming practices, choosing lettuce that is in season locally can often mean better flavour, freshness, and nutritional value. Types of lettuce available in July are; Red or Green Leaf Lettuce, Romaine, Iceberg, and Summer Crisp Lettuce also known as Batavian lettuce are great picks!

Watermelon

Watermelon is at its best during the summer months, from June through August. This is when you’ll find the widest variety of watermelons available, including seeded, seedless, and different sizes and colors.

Corn

In July, fresh corn is sweet, juicy, and full of flavour. When selecting corn, look for ears with bright green husks, plump kernels that are tightly packed together, and golden silks (the fine threads at the top) that are slightly sticky and moist.