AUTHOR

MARNIE NITSCHKE , APD Marnie is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian at N4 Food & Health . Marnie also works in clinical nutrition at Epworth Healthcare and in private practice at Everyday Nutrition in Glen Iris . Learn more at www . n4foodandhealth . com or www . everydaynutrition . com . au .

Here are some fresh ingredients to add to your weekly shop and cooking .

Congratulations ! You ’ ve made it through to summer , in one of the weirdest , most stressful and challenging years yet . After so many months spent in relative isolation , it ’ s understandable that you may still be feeling a little discombobulated and disconnected . However , a really great way to get back in touch with the seasons is through connecting with food and exploring our beautiful summer produce .

Have you ever baked a pie from scratch ? It can be a lovely , meditative and delicious way to connect with family and friends . Summer means the emergence of eye-popping , brightly coloured seasonal fruits like berries and stone fruit – perfect for cobblers , pies and tarts . Visit your local market or green grocer , put away your phone and look up from your usual shopping list . At this time of year , you ’ re likely to find luxurious local cherries or figs at bargain-basement prices . Better still , if restrictions are lifted , why not go for a day trip and pick the best berries yourself ?

Summer time brings us vibrant new produce like corn , which I think is one of the most versatile and delicious veggies around . Corn is a fantastic source of dietary fibre and slow release carbohydrate , as well as being rich in antioxidants , B vitamins and zinc . Don ’ t get stuck just boiling or steaming it for a side dish . My favourite way to use corn is to barbeque it with olive oil and salt for a lovely charred flavour , as well as using the kernels in salads with capsicum , black beans , lime and coriander .

Need some more foodie inspiration ? Let ’ s talk about plump purple eggplant , which is known in some parts of the world by the slightly more cosmopolitan name ‘ aubergine ’. When eggplant comes into season , I think of a rich , velvety ratatouille , with basil , ripe tomatoes and zucchini . You can also grill eggplant with miso paste for a Japanese rice bowl , or roast it , hollow out the middle and fill it with spiced lamb and Middle Eastern flavours . Talk about versatile !

Seasonal summer shopping list : Fruit

} Stone fruit : apricots , cherries , mango , nectarines , peaches and plums .

} Berries : blackberries , blueberries , boysenberries , raspberries and strawberries .

} Citrus : grapefruit , lemons , limes , and Valencia oranges .

} In addition , don ’ t forget : figs , grapes and melons .

Vegetables

} Just in : corn , eggplant and tomatoes .

} Still in season : avocado , beans , beetroot , capsicum , carrots , chillies , cucumber , leek , lettuce , onions , peas , potatoes , rhubarb , silver beet , spring onion , squash and zucchini .

Summer herbs and spices

} Basil , chervil , chives , chilli , coriander , ginger , garlic , mint , lemongrass , parsley , oregano , rosemary , tarragon , sage and thyme .

SUMMER RECIPES SUMMER 2020-2021

For more summer produce inspiration , look out for these recipes using delicious summer produce :

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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 5