National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month Versatile Recipes

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month is the perfect time to celebrate Mother Nature’s bounty and explore innovative ways to incorporate more nutritional powerhouses into our diets. 

At Seasons Retirement Communities, we understand the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for maintaining health and vitality. This month, we’re excited to share a selection of fresh recipes that taste delicious and benefit your overall well-being. 

Join us as we delve into the joys of seasonal produce through simple, nutritious and vibrant dishes designed to bring the freshness of the garden right to your table.

Recipe #1 – Banana pancakes and seasonal berry compote

These banana pancakes and seasonal berry compote are a delightful way to start your day. They combine the comforting flavour of ripe bananas with the tangy sweetness of local berries. 

The compote, made from fresh fruits sourced from local gardens and markets, boosts the nutritional value of this dish and helps support local agriculture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray or additional butter for the pan
• 1 apple, sliced

For the seasonal berry compote:

• 1 cup local mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries found in local gardens or markets)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, sugar (if using), salt and baking powder in a bowl.
2. Mix the mashed bananas, beaten egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
3. Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or butter. 
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form, then flip and do the same on the other side until golden brown.
6. Combine the mixed berries, honey and lemon juice for the compote in a small saucepan. Cook the compote over medium heat for roughly 10 minutes (or until the berries are soft and the sauce has thickened slightly).
7. Serve the pancakes warm with a generous topping of the seasonal berry compote and apple slices.

Recipe #2 – Peach and arugula salad

This peach and arugula salad celebrates the fresh, seasonal produce available during summer. Arugula’s sharp pepperiness adds a robust flavour to the salad when complimented by the sweet peaches, which should be ripe but firm. 

By sourcing ingredients from local gardens and farmers’ markets, we can enhance the flavour of our dishes and support our community’s economy. 

Enjoy this simple, nutritious salad as a light lunch or a colourful side dish at your next dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh arugula
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans
• 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction

Instructions:

1. Gently toss the arugula with extra virgin olive oil, enough to coat the leaves lightly. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the sliced peaches to the bowl. 
3. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans over the top. 
4. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the salad. This ingredient will tie all the flavours together with its sweet and tangy essence.
5. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate gets an even distribution of peaches, pecans and goat cheese.

Recipe #3 – Spicy watermelon kebabs

These spicy watermelon kebabs epitomize the essence of summer, offering a unique twist on traditional fruit preparations. 

By utilizing fresh produce such as watermelon, cucumber and red onion from local gardens or markets, this recipe not only delivers an explosion of flavours but also supports the health and vitality of the community. 

Perfect for barbecues or as a healthy snack, these kebabs invite a celebration of fresh, local and nutritious food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Skewers
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the spicy glaze by whisking together lime juice, honey, chilli powder, and salt in a small bowl until well combined. 
2. Thread watermelon cubes, cucumber slices and red onion onto skewers, alternating for colour and texture.
3. Brush the spicy glaze generously over the prepared kebabs, ensuring each piece is coated well for a vibrant burst of flavour.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs on each side for about 1-2 minutes – just enough to char the edges slightly while keeping the watermelon juicy and refreshing.
5. Once grilled, arrange the kebabs on a serving platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves. The mint will add a refreshing contrast to the spicy and sweet flavours.

Conclusion

Celebrating Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month is more than just an opportunity to enjoy nutritious foods! It’s a chance for older adults to enhance their well-being, connect with nature and support local agriculture. 

At Seasons Retirement Communities, we understand the importance of fresh produce in maintaining health, vitality and happiness. Our community gardens are not just sources of fresh fruits and vegetables; they are spaces where residents can gather, learn and find joy in the simple pleasures of gardening.

We encourage all our residents and their families to take full advantage of this National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, whether participating in a gardening workshop, enjoying a meal made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, or simply spending time outdoors in the beauty of our gardens. There’s no better time to celebrate the bounty nature offers.

Join us at Seasons Retirement Communities and discover the difference fresh produce can make in your life. Contact us to learn more about our community gardens and how we’re celebrating National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. 

Together, we can enjoy the health benefits, forge stronger community connections, and support sustainability—all while savouring the incredible flavours of the season.