8 Late Summer Produce Options Ripe for the Pickin'

As much as we don't want to admit it, summer is sadly coming to a close. It's getting darker a tad [...]

As much as we don't want to admit it, summer is sadly coming to a close. It's getting darker a tad bit earlier, kids are going back to school, and suddenly your Pinterest feed is full of trendy autumn outfits. However, we will hold onto the warm weather for as long as we can, and that means grabbing as many of these produce picks from Huffington Post before fall creeps it way back in.

1. Tomatoes: Ripened in the hot summer sun, tomatoes are brimming with concentrated flavor this time of year. With so much flavor, fresh summer tomatoes can stand on their own or with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Enjoy fresh tomatoes over pasta or "zoodles," combine with fresh goat cheese and herbs or liven up a green salad with a touch of acidity and sweetness. You can't bottle up the unique flavor of fresh tomatoes, so get them now. Try our Quinoa-Stuffed Tomato recipe here.

quinoa stuffed tomatoes

>> Read more:10 Totally Awesome Ways to Cook with Tomatoes

2. Sweet corn: There's nothing quite like the flavor of sweet corn. Sweet corn loses flavor and sweetness each day it's separated from the stalk – so getting it from a local farm is key. Keep it cool, and eat it as soon as possible after purchase. Sweet corn is a source of fiber, vitamin A and lutein, a key nutrient for healthy eyesight. Enjoy it right from the cob, tossed into a salad or as the base for a sweet and crunchy salsa. We love this Chipotle Corn on the Cob recipe.

Chipotle Corn on the Cob

3. Okra: Technically a fruit, this little green pod is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of magnesium, folate and soluble fiber to help keep your heart healthy. With a unique grassy flavor, okra can be used to thicken soups and stews, and it stands well on its own simply roasted. Combine okra with tomatoes and corn for a flavorful end-of-summer succotash.

okra

4. Peppers: Sweet peppers mature a little later in the season. Peppers are a great source of vitamin C and deliver savory flavor and crunch to summer salads, sandwiches and stir-fries. Make them the star of a gluten-free, vegetarian meal by stuffing with quinoa or rice, greens or beans and cheese. Here's our Skinny Italian Beef and Peppers recipe.

skinny italian beef and peppers

See the other four late summer produce picks from Huffington Post by clicking here.

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