July, the sunny, sparkler-filled month

Summer is in full swing, and grilling season is on fire! Hopefully, it is within the scope of the grill itself. Prepare to dig into the best July fruits and vegetables, from berries and stone fruit to squash and corn.

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are naturally at their sweet-tart best now and are begging to be transformed into everything from jams and coulis to cakes and cobblers.

Stone fruits like apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums are also good quality come July. White nectarines and peaches are very juicy and sweet, while yellow nectarines and peaches are also juicy and sweet with a hint of tartness.

Summer squash comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. On their own, summer squashes are surprisingly good for you. Nutritionally, they are a good source of Vitamin C and the mineral potassium. Summer squash is particularly special because it’s loaded with Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Carotenoid nutrients that support eye health and help prevent macular degeneration. Summer squash is wonderfully versatile and is suitable for grilling, roasting, steaming, and sautéing.

Both white and yellow corn are available with excellent quality. White corn is very sweet, and yellow corn is sweet and creamy. They are both excellent for grilling, perfect for your July 4th barbecue.

Summer isn’t summer without watermelon. With its perfectly sweet juice and satisfying crunch, watermelon is the ultimate summer companion as an afternoon snack or summer salad ingredient.