Late summer is peak season for some of the most nutrient-dense produce of the year. Here’s what to add to your plate.
4 Minute Read
AT A GLANCE
- Tomatoes: Juicy and Fully of Antioxidants
- Berries: Small but Mighty
- Sweet Corn and Peppers: Color on Your Plate
- Melons and Cucumbers: Hydration Helpers
- Leafy Greens and Zucchini: Everyday Nutrition
- Stone Fruits: Nature’s Sweet Treat
- Making the Most of the Season
There is something wonderful about wandering through a farmers market in late summer. The tables overflow with tomatoes still warm from the sun, baskets of berries, and fragrant peaches that practically beg to be eaten on the spot. This time of year offers a genuine gift: some of the most flavorful and nourishing produce arrives all at once, and it is the perfect moment to fill your plate with good things.
The good news is that eating well this season is simple. Below, we will walk through some of the season’s brightest stars, why they are so good for you, and how you can enjoy them at home.
Tomatoes: Juicy and Full of Antioxidants
Few things say late summer like a ripe, homegrown tomato. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, along with a helpful dose of vitamin C and potassium that support overall wellness as you age.
The best part is how versatile they are. You can slice them onto sandwiches, toss them into salads, or simmer them into a simple sauce. Interestingly, cooking tomatoes actually boosts the amount of lycopene your body can absorb, so a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup is doing more good than you might think.
Berries: Small but Mighty
Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries reach their sweet peak in late summer, and they offer a lot of nutrition for their size. These little gems are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that help support brain health and reduce everyday inflammation.
Berries are also one of the easiest foods to work into your day. Sprinkle them over yogurt or oatmeal, blend them into a smoothie, or simply enjoy a handful as an afternoon snack. If you buy more than you can eat, freeze the extras so you can enjoy that summer sweetness well into the cooler months.
Sweet Corn and Peppers: Color on Your Plate
Sweet corn is a beloved late summer staple, and it offers more than just great taste. It provides fiber, B vitamins, and lutein, a nutrient that supports healthy eyes. Bell peppers come in a rainbow of colors and are especially high in vitamin C. In fact, a red bell pepper often has more vitamin C than an orange.
Grilling both corn and peppers brings out their natural flavor and makes them a fun addition to any summer meal.
Melons and Cucumbers: Hydration Helpers
Late summer heat makes hydration just as important as nutrition, and this is where watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumbers shine. These foods are made up mostly of water, and the CDC lists water-rich fruits and vegetables like these among the easiest ways to help your body stay hydrated on a hot afternoon.
Cubed melon makes an easy, no-cook side dish, while sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to salads and sandwiches. Both are simple ways to round out a late summer plate.
Leafy Greens and Zucchini: Everyday Nutrition
Late summer gardens tend to produce zucchini in abundance, along with tender greens like Swiss chard and kale. Zucchini is low in calories and provides fiber and potassium, making it a friendly choice for heart health. Leafy greens bring vitamin K, folate, and iron to the table, all of which support strong bones and steady energy.
These vegetables are wonderfully easy to prepare. You can sauté greens with a little garlic, spiralize zucchini into noodles, or grate it into muffins and breads.
Stone Fruits: Nature’s Sweet Treat
Peaches, plums, and nectarines hit their peak in late summer, offering a naturally sweet way to satisfy a craving. These fruits provide fiber and are generally good sources of vitamins A and C, especially peaches and nectarines. Their juicy texture makes them a refreshing choice on a warm day.
Enjoy them fresh, grill them for a caramelized dessert, or chop them into a salsa to spoon over grilled chicken or fish.
Making the Most of the Season
Eating with the seasons is one of the simplest ways to boost both flavor and enjoyment at the table. Produce picked in season is often fresher and closer to its natural peak, which supports better flavor. Shopping at a local market is also a lovely way to stay active and connected to your community.
If you are planning a market trip or a cooking day with family or friends a captioned phone can make it easy to coordinate rides, confirm what everyone is bringing, or simply chat about the day’s plans.
This season, let your plate reflect all the color and goodness that late summer brings. A little planning, a trip to the market, and a few simple recipes can nourish your body and lift your spirits at the same time.
Take the Next Step
- Explore CapTel phone models to find one that fits your life
- You or someone you know may be eligible to receive a CapTel phone at no cost
- Have questions? Call CapTel at 1-800-233-9130
Keep exploring: More on hearing health FAQs | Visit the CapTel blog | Share this article with a friend
CapTel® is the inventor and technology leader in Captioned Telephones for people with hearing loss. CapTel phones show word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, helping those with hearing loss stay connected with the important people in their lives.
