It’s like a farmers’ market on a plate. An appetizer salad of pretty yellow squash blossoms stuffed with house-made ricotta and served with roasted beets set on a tumble of assorted greens from Little Bit Farm is just one of the seasonally fresh dishes created by chef Matt Swickerath of Valenza in Brookhaven.
Summertime serves up a healthy bounty of culinary beauties at area restaurants. Rhubarb and strawberries star on pastry chef Kathleen Miliotis’ dessert menu at Davio’s. Fresh basil and summer tomatoes pile high in the Caprese salad at Corso Coffee in Buckhead. Radishes add a peppery note to chef Doug Turbush’s field pea salad at Stem Wine Bar in Marietta.
“Summertime is the easiest time of year to be more active and eat healthy,” said registered dietitian Kathleen Zelman, director of nutrition for WebMD. “Veggies are abundant, inexpensive and at the peak of nutritional goodness and flavor during the summer.”
Take a summer vacation from the ordinary. “Try new fruits, toss some veggies on the grill and see just how easy it is to enjoy super nutritious, low-calorie produce that will improve your diet and whittle your waistline,” advised Zelman.
This is also the time of year farmers’ markets sprout up and fill up with summer’s healthy harvest.
To market, to market:
Get there early to buy the pick of the crop. Look online for a list of farmers and food producers who attend each market to help plan ahead.
Talk to the farmers. If they grew it, they are happy to tell you how to cook it. Don't be shy. Farmers are the new food celebrities.
Buy some ripe and not so ripe. For instance, with tomatoes and peaches, choose really ripe ones to eat that day and firmer ones that will ripen to eat a few days later.
Zelman said, “Georgia peaches have arrived and the first of the season are juicy and delicious. Take advantage of these locally grown fruits and enjoy because they only come around once a year.”
Food safety is important. Perishable foods such as eggs, cheeses, yogurts, meats, seafood and sausages should be displayed on ice or in refrigerated coolers. Have an insulated cooler with ice in your car to transport these foods home.
Bring reusable bags but make sure they're clean because dirty bags can contaminate your perfect produce.
Many farmers' market accept EBT/SNAP benefits (food stamps). Some double the value through a partnership with Wholesome Wave Georgia to make healthy food accessible to more shoppers.
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