The Top 5 Vegetables of September

Many of us can remember as small children the bounty of the harvest in our small back yard gardens or family farms.  Copius amounts of zucchini that could and would feed a small village, fresh sweet corn and the sound of snapping a bean still brings back memories of a warm, barefoot summer.  

Corn-Raw corn is a sweet crunchy treat loaded with more protein, vitamins, minerals and  beneficial enzymes than that of cooked.  Raw corn also contains less starch which is important for blood glucose support.  Add raw corn to a mango salsa and spoon over a bed of spinach with a light vinaigeratte.

Tomatoes-Currently we are enjoying the bounty of the Heirloom Tomato, with its multiple varieties, the use of this colorful sweet fruit is quite simply, endless.  Nothing beats fresh sliced heirlooms with each and every meal.  Loaded with beneficial antioxidants, Vitamins & Minerals, don’t let this seasonal beauty pass your radar. 

Squash-Zucchini and Summer Squash is at the peak of the season right now.  Loaded with beta carotene and other valuable nutrients, some squash and zucchini can be eaten raw.  Grate on a cheese grater and boost your nutrients by utilizing this wonderful food as a carrier for that great marinara.

Bell peppers-While we’re on a Vitamin C roll here, now is the time to enjoy these colorful and crunchy vegetables. Try them stuffed, seeded and diced, they add a colorful crunch to any salad, side or main dish.

Okra-Not as common as the vegetables above, okra is mostly known for its southern roots. But okra is great in stews or slow roasted with tomatoes and onions. High in vitamin A, B and C, this is one of those “phantom veggies” so many of us have never experienced.

Allow yourself the pleasure of trying something new this season!

 Share your favorite recipes of these 5 top September veggies!