Beating the Heat: Part 1

It’s hot outside…to say the least. We’re reaching the peak of summer where temperatures push the limits of what’s hot and what’s HOT. It’s no secret that produce can struggle in conditions with excessive heat, not to mention excessive heat that causes humidity and thunderstorms.

But here’s the thing: summer is one of the best times of year for produce. There’s varieties that thrive in the heat. Don’t believe us? Check out some of the best heat tolerant varieties below:

OKRA

The exact origin of okra is unknown, but its believed to be native to tropical and sub-tropical areas of Ethiopia and Eastern Africa. It loves the heat and is usually in good supply during high temperatures.

Eggplants

Eggplants love the summer. They thrive in conditions with sunshine and warm soil.

Leafy Greens

Who doesn’t love the combination of summer and local produce? The two go hand-in-hand! New Jersey greens like swiss chard, spinach, dandelion greens, and more thrive in the heat and often reach their peak availability in the height of summer.

Jalapeno

The heat…well it brings the heat. Not that jalapeno peppers are super spicy, but chile peppers, compared to sweeter varieties, thrive in the hot conditions. You’ll even likely find both green and red jalapenos out of New Jersey when in season.

SQUASH

There’s a category called summer squash for a reason. These are varieties like chayote, fancy, grey, and baby. Plus, they are quick to cook, easy-to-prep vegetable side.

So, when it comes to planning during the summer, remember to consider heat tolerant produce. These varieties will likely see some of the best quality and availability during high heat.

And last but not least…welcome to our ‘Beating the Heat’ blog series. It’s one of our first blog series we’ve done here at JVI. If you’re interested in reading the second part of this three part blog series, check back next Monday for the release.