Summertime is when gardens are at their best, plump and heavy with a patiently awaited harvest. Avid culinary gardeners know that there is nothing like the feeling of going to the garden, plucking a ripe strawberry or juicy tomato straight off the vine, and popping it into your mouth. Growing our own food not only helps offset the cost of our grocery bills but can also serve as inspiration for some satisfyingly simple and healthy mealtime solutions.
When it comes to cooking with sun-ripened garden crops, it’s best to keep it simple and let the flavor of your main ingredients shine. Garden harvested foods are at their peak ripeness and will have more nutrients and flavor than store-bought fruits or vegetables that would have had to be picked early for market.
If you don’t yet have a garden of your own but are interested in starting one, consider starting small and planting things you like to eat. Not only will this help you on the path toward eating more fruits and vegetables, but you’ll be amazed at how much great flavor and variety you can get from a simple windowsill garden.
By growing your own fresh-from-the-garden produce you’ll not only be taking pride in sharing healthy foods nurtured by your own efforts but also be bringing a diversity of homegrown flavor and better nutrition to your table.
Tomato Breakfast Salad
Pea, Basil, and Feta Dip
Sweet Corn Gazpacho
Carrot, Raspberry, and Olive Tartine
Zucchini and Cucumber Kimchi Toss
Strawberry Carpaccio
