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Happy first day of summer!
Blueberries - The purple-blue berries are loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that give blueberries their color, and they also contain the antioxidant chlorogenic acid.
The powerful antioxidant combo is what makes scientists particularly interested in blueberries for their potential brain benefits.
Or, freeze blueberries and drop them into lemonade as fruity ice cubes!
For a fun twist on dessert, try this no-bake raw blueberry tartlet.
They also contain potassium, which can help offset some sodium intake.
For a unique, delicious snack, try SELF’s recipe for apricots stuffed with almonds.
Watermelon - The name says it all: this fruit is PACKED with water.
One cup of melon cubes delivers only 46 calories.
Or blend watermelon with a couple sprigs of mint to make a cooling summer beverage.
This cold watermelon soup is just what you need on a hot summer night!
How to eat it:Zucchini is great cooked or raw.
Slice it and serve with hummus as an appetizer.
Or, grill zucchini halves and then slice for pizza toppings or a simple veggie side dish.
Cubes of zucchini are fantastic additions to shish kebabs.
Dinner idea: Make these Zucchini and Corn Tacos from celeb hotspot Loteria Grill.
And tomatoes get their red color from lycopene – a potent antioxidant.
Tomato-cucumber salad is a simple side dish that’s always a hit.
Toss and serve as a fresh summer salad.
Basil - Basil contains powerful phytonutrients known as flavonoids, which provide protective antioxidant benefits.
Some of the antioxidant benefits are being studied as potential protection against certain types of cancers.
For a yummy side dish, try this basmati rice with peas, edamame and basil.
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