The summer heat has finally landed in Lake Travis with temperatures hovering around 99 degrees these days. But the good news is, lots of delicious fruits and veggies are still in season, so if you’re getting tired of grilling hotdogs, check out some of the foods from Lone Star Farmer’s Market at Bee Cave located at Shops at the Galleria.
Your inner foodie will thank you.
Have you ever wondered what “in season” actually means when it comes to fruits and vegetables? Well, in-season foods are more likely to be at their nutritional peak, chock full of the good stuff your body needs for optimum health.
Based on where you live and the current time of the year, certain foods are traditionally harvested and more readily available nearby. Some people believe that in-season foods are exactly what your body needs at that time of the year.
For example, watermelon is perfect for hydration and it is in-season during the hot summer months when your body is trying to stay cool. Makes sense, right?
That being said, let’s dig in to find out what’s in season at Lone Star Farmer’s Market during the summer months (June – Aug.):
– Arugula
– Basil
– Blackberries
– Chard
– Corn
– Cucumbers
– Eggplant
– Figs
– Garlic
– Green beans
– Lettuce
– Melons
– Mint
– Mustard greens
– Peaches
– Okra
– Onions
– Pear
– Peppers
– Potatoes
– Pumpkin
– Radishes
– Squash
– Sweet potatoes
– Tomatoes
– Turnips
– Watermelon
Sure, we can buy pretty much any fruit or veggie year-round, so why does it make sense to shop for local produce? Buying local is a great way to support small family farms, growers and vendors who are making a positive impact in Lake Travis and its surrounding communities.
If you know your farmer, you know your food.
For example, Johnson’s Backyard Garden can be found at Lone Star Farmer’s Market. It was founded by Brenton Johnson who began growing vegetables in his Holly Street Backyard in 2004. Today he is one of the largest certified organic growers in Austin.
There’s also the story about Juicy Jay’s Meatballs, a company founded on its family recipes passed down from generation to generation with roots based in Sicily. This company celebrates, “il culto della famiglia e del mangiare”- the cult of family and food – with freshly packaged meatballs (traditional or gluten-free), pork, vegetarian and gluten-free tofu-balls and even gluten-free cheesecake.
Think of Lone Star Farmer’s Market as a family-fun gathering place where consumers are able to meet local farmers, vendors and producers in a farm-to-market atmosphere. It’s a great place to buy affordable, farm-fresh goods while supporting a sustainable economy and local community. You’ll be impressed with the selection of baked goodies, farm fresh eggs, grass fed meats, jams, jellies, honey and more! Open every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Do you have a fave summertime treat that features in-season produce? Let us know what it is in the comments section on Facebook.
Photo credit: Flickr, Pink Sherbet Photography
