Purple Scallions, Rainbow Chard, a Bevy of Berries, and More

Just a few photos from a recent trip to the farmers’ market at Copley Square in Boston. So much good stuff there, including a few vegetables and fruits I’ll bet you’ve never seen before…

You can often buy hanging plants at the market alongside fresh produce, if you’re into that kind of thing.

While some like their flowers, I personally prefer berries. A very patriotic presentation, yes? (Those are yellow raspberries, btw.)

I love radishes, and the greens are delightful when sautéed with a bit of EVOO and garlic, so you can use the whole plant thus minimizing food waste.

Swiss chard comes in a rainbow of colors…

… as do carrots. (Remember: the more brightly colored your produce, the more beneficial phytonutrients – powerful health promoting and disease preventing chemicals found in plants – you’re getting.)

I’m wild about scallions, and the purple variety pictured here are particularly delightful. First time I’ve seen them, too.

And purple pole beans, too! (Commonly known as “green beans,” because most are, but now you see that’s not an accurate name.)

Nothing says summer like squash, which is among the most abundant vegetables. The “5 a day” message is outdated, though; you really should be eating a lot more than that. So, in this case at least, er, more is more.

Actors aren’t the only ones who can be a diva, apparently. A well-deserved name, these cucumbers are terrific and only in season a short while.

Not only is squash prolific, there are so many varieties from which to choose. Pictured here is so-called “specialty squash.” Adorable, and so pretty on the plate.

More flowers, the happy, sunflower-y kind: a virtual bouquet to brighten your day.

Quite the palate of brilliantly hued fruits and vegetables, yes?

I’m willing to bet that you a) saw at least one thing here you’ve never seen before and b) cannot get such things at your local supermarket. Am I correct? Do let me know. (I love it when I’m right.) Nevertheless, if you are lucky enough to have access to a local farmers’ market, I implore you to check it out. There’s no better time than the heart of summer to get the freshest and most interesting produce to add intrigue and beauty to your next dish. And you can feel good about supporting your local businesses and farmers, too.

What’s not to like?

Dr. P. K. Newby is a nutrition scientist and educator with expertise in the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases through diet and the relations between agriculture, food production, and public health. She brings together her passions for food, cooking, science, and sustainability through her writing and videos to help people eat their way towards better health, one delectable bite at a time. If you like what you see here at The Nutrition Doctor is In the Kitchen, please subscribe to my blog from the home page, become a fan on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, check out my food porn (and pics from other farmers’ markets, too) on Pinterest, watch my cooking videos on YouTube, and peruse my recipe page for soups, salads, seafood, sweets, and more. Thanks for reading!