To keep your body hydrated, here are our tips about which fruit and vegetables to eat during June!
Redcurrants. Originally from Western Europe, redcurrants are a small forest fruit that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. They are small bright red berries, generally gathered in bunches like grapes but much smaller. With a refreshing, acidic flavour with a slightly sweet note, redcurrants are packed full of nutrients. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system, skin and gums. They also contain vitamin A, which supports eyesight, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron. Thanks to their versatility, they can be used to decorate tarts and desserts, but also for making sauces served with meat, in particular game.
Flat peaches. Traditionally grown in Sicily, flat peaches, also known as “Saturn peaches” or “doughnut peaches”, are a variety of peach characterised by their flat shape, which looks a little like a doughnut. With thin yellow skin featuring shades of red or pink and juicy, highly aromatic white flesh, this fruit has a very sweet, intense flavour. Thanks to their vitamin C and antioxidants, flat peaches contribute towards healthy skin, improving its texture and elasticity. They can be eaten fresh, on their own or in fruit salads, but also used to make cakes, tarts, muffins and other sweet dishes.
Courgette flowers. Courgette flowers, also known as squash blossom, were introduced to Europe after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, these flowers stand out with their trumpet shape and bright yellow or orange colour. The plants produce both male and female flowers: the males grow on long, thin stems and do not produce fruits, while the females develop at the end of forming fruits. With a delicate, slightly sweet, vegetable flavour, courgette flowers contain vitamins A and C, and are a good source of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. They are very versatile for cooking and can be eaten fried or stuffed, but also added to pasta dishes or risottos.
Sweet peppers. Originally from Central America, the sweet pepper was introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors. These peppers vary in shape and size and are thin and long or round and stumpy. Their colour varies from green to yellow, orange, red and even purple, depending on the variety. With a delicate, slightly fruity flavour, they offer hints of freshness. They are a real source of nutrients and are rich in vitamins C and A. They also contain important minerals such as potassium and magnesium, therefore helping you stay healthy. They can be eaten raw, sliced or diced, but are also very good cooked, either pan-fried or baked, like in these peppers stuffed with Levante potatoes, tuna and ricotta.
Round courgettes. Also known as “Piacenza round courgettes”, these courgettes are round or slightly oval shaped. The skin is usually light green, but can vary up to dark green. Certain varieties also have light stripes. The inner flesh is white or light yellow, soft and juicy. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavour, similar to longer courgettes, but they have a creamier texture. The flesh is tender and less watery than the longer varieties, which makes them perfect for being stuffed. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, folates, and also contain potassium and magnesium. Thanks to their shape, they are perfect for hollowing out and stuffing with a variety of ingredients like meat, rice, cheeses or other vegetables.
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