Written by: Joni Rampolla, RDN, CSOWM, The Giant Company
As a nutrition and wellness professional who brings over two decades of experience in weight management and corporate wellness to her role as Regional Nutrition Specialist at The GIANT Company, Joni advises leveraging nutritious foods including many plant-forward choices for improved outcomes.
Nature’s gift, our colorful summer fruits, and vegetables, not only delight our taste buds but also enrich our bodies and minds by providing a broader range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Simply adding an additional fruit or vegetable brings vibrant colors and textures to our eating experience, making meals more enjoyable.
For those who want the flavors of summer to linger on, here are some suggestions to utilize that summer produce:
Freezer Jam
Chutney
Chutney is a cross between jam and relish. Its harmonious flavor is made from fruits, vegetables and/or herbs with vinegar, sugar, and spices, adding flavor and color to a variety of dishes. Some favorite combinations are savory onion chutney with meat or atop a burger, apple chutney with cheese, or a mango chutney with seafood. Kiddos love mango chutney on grilled cheese sandwiches too. Think outside the box to create unique flavors by incorporating chutney into Greek yogurt or hummus.
Pickling
Relishes
Relishes are a delicious combination of chopped vegetables and/or fruits cooked in vinegar with spices for added flavor. Whether spread on sandwiches, stirred into sauces, or served alongside dishes, relishes offer an array of color, chunky texture, and tantalizing taste. Make the most of peak season peaches with a Peach relish to add summer sweetness to savory dishes such as pork or even atop a hotdog. It can even be that unexpected summery garnish for your martini.
As our days gradually get shorter, remember that you can hold on to summer flavors a little bit longer. With freezer jams, chutneys, tangy pickles, and relishes that burst with flavor, you can savor the summer bounty, providing a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Let’s embrace each season with open arms and an eager palate.
The Foundation focuses on improving the appeal of fruit and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, supporting the development of infrastructure and supply chain solutions that provide easier access, and establishing strategic alliances that enable children and families to form healthier eating habits.
The transformative Have A Plant® Movement inspires consumers with compelling reasons to believe in the powerful role fruits and vegetables can play to fuel happy, healthy and active lifestyles.
