The 10 Best In-Season Fruits and Vegetables to Supercharge Corporate Catering this Summer
Posted by Sara on Tuesday, July 8th, 2014 with Comments Off on The 10 Best In-Season Fruits and Vegetables to Supercharge Corporate Catering this Summer Comments
Want to liven up your workplace wellness plan this summer? Consider going seasonal on the corporate catering table!
With the Fourth of July behind us, we’re in the heart of summer — and that means that many of the tastiest, sweetest, juiciest fruits and vegetables are at their peak. Summer fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, along with unbelievably fresh flavor (think of the difference between a tomato plucked right from the vine in August versus one delivered from a hothouse in November).
There’s no better time of year to treat your body and your tastebuds equally well by enjoying the bounty now available at local farmers’ markets — and that also translates to the workplace. Ordering food from restaurants and corporate catering programs that source their ingredients locally is an easy yet impactful way to make seasonal produce the delicious centerpiece of your company’s workplace wellness plan this summer.
A Caprese salad puts the spotlight on lycopene-rich summer tomatoes.
Image source: flickr user Mr.TinDC
Need a little inspiration on how to get started? Here are some of the best summer fruits and veggies that are just beginning to hit their peak in most parts of the country — and the tastiest ways to feature them in business lunches and even takeout orders!
1) Raspberries
Loaded with belly-filling fiber, fresh raspberries are the perfect topping for Greek yogurt at a breakfast meeting.
2) Eggplant
Filled with fiber, eggplant is often the star of hearty vegetarian entrees, from lasagna from the Italian place to Indian curry dishes.
3) Watermelon
Not only is a ten-ounce slice of watermelon high in water content to keep you hydrated — it also offers a third of your daily recommended dose of vitamins A and C. A platter of fresh watermelon slices (or cubes for less mess) makes a refreshing dessert or afternoon meeting snack.
4) Zucchini
This underrated vegetable is your new best friend if you’re trying to tone up this summer: it contains folate and magnesium, both important for building and maintaining muscle. Let zucchini shine by featuring it in light, summery pastas.
5) Cherries
A bowl of cherries isn’t just a healthy meeting snack: thanks to their unusually high concentration of melatonin, the tart variety may even help you sleep better.
6) Tomatoes
Nothing beats a tomato for flavor — and few foods can match its levels of cancer-fighting lycopene. Make the most of this summer treat by ordering a Caprese salad, which pairs fresh tomatoes with basil and mozzarella.
7) Avocado
Get a hearty dose of healthy monounsaturated fats (and potentially more potassium than a banana) when you substitute creamy avocado for empty-calorie mayo on your lunch sandwiches.
8) Arugula
You don’t have to eat a salad to enjoy this leafy green’s hefty dose of vitamins A and K: next time you order from the gourmet pizza place, add a handful of fresh arugula atop your pie.
9) Red bell peppers
Roasted on a sandwich or sautéed in a burrito bowl, red bell peppers deliver about two days’ worth of immunity-boosting vitamin C.
10) Cucumbers
While they may not be as packed with vitamins and minerals as the others on the list, cucumbers are amazing at one thing: preventing dehydration, which can lead to headaches, stress, and even overeating. Cucumbers are very high in water content, so pair sliced cucumbers with hummus during a long afternoon meeting to keep everyone well-hydrated.
With these nutrition powerhouses at their peak flavor this summer, it’s never been easier to ensure your corporate catering program is doing its part to help employees reach their daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables! And you don’t have to haul a box of produce from the farmers’ market to get it to your break room: Waiter.com offers fresh, fast delivery and convenient online ordering to make your summer meals downright carefree.
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
