“If I have to eat one more zucchini…”
“We’re picking 50 cherry tomatoes every day!”
“What am I supposed to do with all of these cucumbers?”
We’ve heard all of these recently. And if you’ve ever had a garden – or been blessed by a generous neighbor – you’ve probably said something similar!
For a few incredibly plentiful weeks each summer, our gardens seem to produce faster than we can eat. One day you’re celebrating your first ripe tomato. The next day, you’re wondering if they magically multiplied overnight.
It’s an amazing “problem” to have. And, the challenge isn’t that the food isn’t delicious. It’s that we often run out of ideas before we run out of produce.
That’s where we can help! But before we dive into some delicious inspiration, let’s remember something important…
Nature Knows What It’s Doing!
Have you ever noticed that the foods growing in the middle of the summer seem perfectly suited for the season?
Juicy watermelon helps keep us refreshed on hot days. Crisp cucumbers are cool and hydrating. Sweet tomatoes, colorful peppers, fresh herbs, zucchini, corn, melons, and more are bursting with flavor just when we’re craving lighter, fresher meals.
That’s no accident. One of the beautiful things about eating REAL food is that nature provides a constantly changing variety of foods throughout the year. Each season brings its own colors, flavors, and unique mix of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protective plant compounds.
When we eat with the seasons, we naturally enjoy a wider variety of foods throughout the year – and that variety is one of the keys to a nourishing, REAL food lifestyle.
So, if your garden is overflowing, don’t think of it as a problem. Think of it as nature inviting you to enjoy one of the most delicious times of the year!
Cherry Tomatoes: Nature’s Candy
Fresh cherry tomatoes are one of summer’s greatest gifts. Sweet, colorful, and incredibly versatile, they can be enjoyed far beyond tossing them into a salad. Try these ideas:
Cherry Tomato Margherita Pizza (see why we featured this as a Hidden Gem!)
Grilled Sweet and Spicy Summer Tomatoes
Crispy Eggplant and Corn with Chile Oil
More cherry tomato ideas here!
And, enjoy even more tomato ideas here!
Zucchini: The Garden That Keeps Giving
Zucchini may be the champion of summer abundance. Instead of asking, “What am I going to do with all this zucchini?” start asking, “How many different meals can it become the star?”
Sweet Corn: Summer at Its Finest
Fresh-picked sweet corn barely needs any help. When it’s at its peak, it’s naturally sweet, crisp, and delicious. And it is also excellent cut from the cob and added to salads, tacos, bowls, and more.
Chicken and Grilled Veggie Tacos
Sweet ‘N Savory Grilled Portobellos, Tomatoes and Corn
Cucumbers: Cool, Crisp, and Refreshing
Few vegetables are more refreshing during the heat of summer…and they help keep you hydrated!
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Melons: More Than a Sweet Treat
Melons are refreshing, naturally sweet, and incredibly versatile. Most of us simply slice them and enjoy them – and there’s nothing wrong with that! But they also shine in savory dishes where their sweetness balances salty, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad
Grilled Seafood with Summer Melon Salsa
Peppers: Color, Crunch, & Flavor
When they start piling up on the kitchen counter, it’s time to get creative! From sweet and mild to spicy and bold, peppers add color, flavor, and a nutritional boost to so many meals.
Thai Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry
Don’t Forget the Herbs!
When the garden is overflowing with tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers, it’s easy to overlook the herbs growing right alongside them. But those little leaves are often what make summer meals truly shine!
Blackened Chicken with Mango and Chimichurri
Preserve the Flavors!
This coaching tip wouldn’t be complete without talking about preserving these amazing summer flavors so you can enjoy them year-round.
Imagine enjoying fresh basil pesto in the middle of January or adding flavorful summer corn or Hatch chilies to a winter soup when your garden is covered in snow.
There are lots of ways to preserve fruits and vegetables, and one of the easiest methods is freezing. Freezing produce at its peak can help preserve its flavor and nutrients. It’s also affordable, simple, and much less time consuming than some of the other options! (Canning is another fantastic option, although it does require more time and preparation.)
Learn more about preserving your summer harvest in this coaching tip.
Celebrate the Season
One of the biggest myths about eating healthy is that it’s repetitive and boring. Nothing could be further from the truth!
We hope this coaching tip gets you excited and inspired to enjoy more of the spectacular flavors of summer! And remember – if you ever find yourself wondering what to do with your garden abundance, please reach out to us!
You made me literally laugh out loud! I’ve been freezing corn right on the cob and it tastes great. It’s delicious cut off the cob too, but that’s too much like work. I’ve been growing my own since Zonya told us to always eat organic corn.