Berry Nutritious: Recipes for National Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month

Fruit and vegetables are part of a healthy, balanced diet and can help you stay healthy! In recognition of National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month, we celebrate the innate importance of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables provides you with a number of benefits, including:  

• Fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin C and potassium. 
• They're an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help to maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation and other digestion problems. A diet high in fiber can also reduce your risk of bowel cancer. 
• They can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. 
• Fruit and vegetables contribute to a healthy, balanced diet. 
• Fruit and vegetables taste delicious, are safe to eat, and offer an abundance of variety to choose from. 

And as we recognize the importance of a diet balanced with fresh produce, we must acknowledge that fresh fruit – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and more – are so good for you (and safe to eat!) that doctors are now prescribing the consumption of fresh fruits and veggies.  

Let’s celebrate the National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month with our favorite recipes that bring together fresh produce in tasty, nutritious and health-centric ways! 

Berry Nourish Bowl 

Blueberries, avocado and sweet potatoes bring additional nutrition and color to this superfood packed Berry Nourish Bowl. Chickpeas and chicken pack this recipe with protein, while pumpkin seeds add in some healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized. 

Ultimate Mediterranean Quinoa & Berry Salad 

Bright and flavorful berries from California Giant Berry Farms are the star of this unique salad! This delicious salad melds together fresh fruits and vegetables in an unforgettable way – for the ultimate boost in nutrition and feel-good.  

Fresh Salad with Grilled Strawberries, Celery, Berries & Burrata 

A fresh salad topped with strawberries, celery, berries, and burrata with a citrus vinaigrette is a great go-to recipe to enjoy the fresh produce in your fridge. Arugula and celery offer delightful crunch, while sweet blueberries, raspberries and heart-healthy strawberries provide a nutrient-rich boost. 

Blackened Chicken Tacos with Strawberry Salsa  

Protein? Check. Fresh fruit? Check. Fresh vegetables? Check! This blackened chicken tack recipe features a delightful fresh strawberry salsa that pops as a topping on chicken tacos. Other fresh ingredients such as radish, red onion and jalapeno add depth of flavor, making for a recipe you’ll have on rotation year-round. 

Blackberry-Bourbon Chutney, Raspberry-Pickled Carrots, Humboldt Fog & Arugula Salad 

This recipe is sure to become a household favorite. It’s bursting with flavor, and showcases the versatility of California Giant Berry Farms berries. Best of all? It’s loaded with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables – making it a healthy indulgence.  

 How will you celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month?