Submitted by: Kimberly Cozart
Spring has sprung, but in the American south the unrelenting heat of summer has been rearing its head for a while. For those of you outside the sunshine belt, enjoy the cool while it lasts! While the heat may not be great for your disposition, it does offer a delectable variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of some of the season's culinary benefits and help the environment too.
1) Tomatoes
For many, the perfect tomato signifies the true start of summer. To improve your chances of that luscious first bite, try buying locally grown, in-season tomatoes. Once you have one, you won't go back. Local tomatoes taste better and they don't need to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to get to your kitchen table. I like to make a simple salad of 2 large chopped tomatoes, 6 basil leaves, and 1/4 cup of fresh mozzarella. Add extra-virgin olive oil and salt to taste. Yum!
2) Watermelons
Like tomatoes, watermelons are at their prime in the hottest months. One great way to enjoy them is as a watermelon smoothie. For an extraordinarily easy drink, simply put 2 parts fresh watermelon to 1 part frozen watermelon, into a blender. Mix on high for one minute or until smooth. The fresh watermelon liquefies, so there's no need for extra water or juice. The frozen watermelon makes it nice and cold. Feel free to add natural sweeteners (such as local honey) or yogurt. Buy your watermelon locally and you support your nearby growers and know that your smoothie is free from preservatives. It's a win win.
3) Strawberries
Local strawberries taste great in your mouth, but did you know they can also make your skin glow? They contain salicylic acid, which is found in most over-the-counter acne medicines. Put 4 or 5 ripe strawberries and 2 teaspoons of ground oats in a blender, or pound by hand until it's the consistency of paste. Feel free to add more strawberries to get the texture you want. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes. This facial leaves your skin feeling refreshed, saves you money, and keeps the chemicals off your face. Fewer chemicals are good for you and the environment.
I hope you've noticed the all red trend in this month's blog. Enjoy these warm months and remember that every little bit can help the environment.
1) Tomatoes
For many, the perfect tomato signifies the true start of summer. To improve your chances of that luscious first bite, try buying locally grown, in-season tomatoes. Once you have one, you won't go back. Local tomatoes taste better and they don't need to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to get to your kitchen table. I like to make a simple salad of 2 large chopped tomatoes, 6 basil leaves, and 1/4 cup of fresh mozzarella. Add extra-virgin olive oil and salt to taste. Yum!
2) Watermelons
Like tomatoes, watermelons are at their prime in the hottest months. One great way to enjoy them is as a watermelon smoothie. For an extraordinarily easy drink, simply put 2 parts fresh watermelon to 1 part frozen watermelon, into a blender. Mix on high for one minute or until smooth. The fresh watermelon liquefies, so there's no need for extra water or juice. The frozen watermelon makes it nice and cold. Feel free to add natural sweeteners (such as local honey) or yogurt. Buy your watermelon locally and you support your nearby growers and know that your smoothie is free from preservatives. It's a win win.
3) Strawberries
Local strawberries taste great in your mouth, but did you know they can also make your skin glow? They contain salicylic acid, which is found in most over-the-counter acne medicines. Put 4 or 5 ripe strawberries and 2 teaspoons of ground oats in a blender, or pound by hand until it's the consistency of paste. Feel free to add more strawberries to get the texture you want. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes. This facial leaves your skin feeling refreshed, saves you money, and keeps the chemicals off your face. Fewer chemicals are good for you and the environment.
I hope you've noticed the all red trend in this month's blog. Enjoy these warm months and remember that every little bit can help the environment.
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