by Casey McGuire

The majority of fruits and veggies are seasonal. Though, many can be eaten during other seasons, or “off” months, your taste buds will thank you for knowing when the “on” months are. Also, because there is an abundance of them while they are in season, it is a general rule that they are also cheaper at those times, depending upon a cost that may be associated with importing them. So, if you forget what is in season, look at prices, and it may help you remember. Cheap and good; you can’t beat that.

We all know we’re supposed to eat more fruits and vegetables. Very few people get enough of either. My favorites will vary often depending on the season, but I know I’ll eat more of just about anything when it tastes good. A bad piece of fruit, or a bland veggie, will keep me from wanting to fill my 5 - 9 servings a day, while either, or both,  in season are as easy to add to my diet as adding miles on to my trail running.

Fruit and Veggie of the Month

May

Fruit: Strawberries (there are on average of 200 tiny seeds in each strawberry)
May is the very best month for these sweet, red fruits. In a few studies, strawberries have been in the top ten of foods most linked to lower rates of cancer deaths in elderly people, and topped the list in one study. They are entirely fat free, sodium free, and of course, cholesterol free.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR - Shiny, very firm, and look for bright red color to them, while avoiding mushy or leaky fruit. The stems should be green, in tact, and fresh themselves.
STORAGE - Store in the refrigerator, but do not wash them until you’re ready to prepare and eat them.
NUTRITION -

Veggie: Potatoes (#1 crop in the world, and according to the USDA, the average American eats 140 lbs. per year)
Potatoes are pretty good year round, but I thought I’d celebrate their greatness in May. It is nice to be able to share the values of this vegetable knowing there aren’t a bunch of Atkins freaks, who can’t even say the word potato, reading this. By themselves, or prepared right, potatoes are nothing short of quality food. Unfortunately, most people eat potatoes in the form of greasy French fries or potato chips, and even baked potatoes are typically loaded down with fats such as butter, sour cream, melted cheese and bacon bits.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR - All varieties should be clean, smooth, firm, dry, and uniform within their variety.
STORAGE - Keep in a cooler, darker environment, but well vented for use within 3 - 5 weeks.
NUTRITION -

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