It can be hard to get your greens in the heat of summer. Most leafy greens don't grow well in these temperatures, leaving far less options when it comes to getting the healthy nutrients and antioxidants that heartier greens provide. Luckily, our farmers work hard to be able to bring us some delicious and unique options that also happen to be nutritional powerhouses, so you can give your body a healthy boost for these long, hot summer days.
Amaranth greens are some of the most nutritious leafy greens you can eat, and its an extremely drought tolerant plant that does well in the heat. Pick some up from Southern Star Farms (Bell & Mueller) and try sauteeing it or adding it into your next stir-fry.
Moringa is loaded with healthy vitamins, antioxidants, and protein (even more than spinach!). Flavor-wise, it is similar to spinach, and is commonly used in a lot of Asian cuisines. It's great in soups or stews, but for something a bit more refreshing, add it to smoothies or fresh juice. Pick up a bag at Bernhardt's Farm (Bell & Mueller).
Magenta Spreen is a wild relative of spinach that is both cold and heat-tolerant. You've likely seen it on Munkebo Farm's table (Bell & Mueller), as they grow it nearly year-round! Try using it as a sub for spinach in salads, smoothies, or sautees.
Japanese Spinach is another spinach variety, grown by Bouldin Food Forest (Mueller). Thanks to tunnels, shade cloth, and a lot of care, they bring greens to market year-round, and have some delicious options like Japanese spinach and arugula.
