Beating the Heat: Part 2

Welcome back to our second installment of our ‘Beating the Heat’ blog series. Last week, we highlighted some of the best vegetable varieties that grow in good supply despite the sweltering summer heat.

If you want to check out that blog, you can click here.

Now, onto our regularly scheduled blog… this week, to beat the heat, we wanted to talk about the best varieties for cooling off. So, what do we mean by this? We’re talking about varieties that help regulate body temperature and support hydration during the summer heat.

CUCUMBER

Cucumbers, well, they’re mostly water. They are actually one of the most hydrating varieties we can eat, along with watermelon and celery (see the trend among high-water content varieties?). Plus, cukes also contain vitamin C, which helps cool and sooth skin.

MINT

Mint is one of the best herbs for the summer. It’s not only locally grown during these months, but it also contains compounds that have natural cooling affects. Mint contains menthol, which creates a natural cooling sensation by activating cold-sensitive receptors in the mouth and skin.

COCONUT WATER

Coconut water has been rising in popularity lately. It’s a functional beverage, and has become popular for replenishing the body without artificial colors, flavors, or added sugars.

Suggested reading: Why coconut water should be on your radar

CHILE PEPPERS

This one probably seems counter-intuitive, but stay with us. The spice level from a chile pepper may make you warmer at first. After the initial wave of heat, the body begins to circulate and sweat. As the sweat evaporates, it helps cool you down.

CITRUS

Summer may not fall within the California citrus season, but there are still counter-season varieties available. Like cukes, many citrus varieties are high in vitamin C. They also have a high liquid content, which gives both a refreshing flavor and hydration.