A DIFFERENT SORT OF SNACK SHACK

When I was growing up I remember after each Little League game we would get a quarter to buy something from the snack shack, which usually consisted of some sort of chip, soda or candy. But now the produce department is my snack shack of choice.
And let’s face it, with its longer days, a major holiday and warm weather, July is a month that is ripe for snacking morning, noon or night. Organic produce is the best snack choice around. After all it is always healthy for you, low in calories and bursting with flavor. Really, what’s not to like?
The interesting part comes when you ask someone what his or her favorite summer produce snacking item is. Some blurt it out as soon as the question leaves your mouth while others ponder as if they are drifting back to their childhood.
For instance, watermelon would be a popular choice if you asked around most offices or homes these days. Eaten in many ways — sliced, cut into chunks, with a spoon using it as the bowl, served with a little lime juice and cayenne pepper. Or as a friend once told me, watermelon is best served with a hammock and shady tree. I couldn’t agree more!
Watermelon is in full swing in July and English peas are starting to wane; too bad because I could eat a whole bowl of ‘em by myself right from the pod. Or how about red, purple or rainbow bunched, sliced radishes with a little sprinkle of salt.
Another friend gets her favorite snack idea from her grandparents and East Coast roots, fresh picked blueberries and heavy cream. I can see how that would be habit forming. I told her if she lets that secret out she might have company at her bowl. Especially since blueberries are so good right now.
July peaches are my favorite fruit, especially those grown after the 4th of July (yes, I think there is a difference in peach varieties depending on when they are grown). Try it out yourself. If you are going to do some peach sampling on your own, do so each week of the month. Ask about the varieties and make a mental note of the names; it will be worth remembering next season when the time comes around again.
I think my favorite summer snacking produce item is Thompson seedless and flame seedless grapes, so easy, so tasty, and so fun. For my favorite veggie I would probably choose Sun Gold cherry tomatoes. Both of these items start out firm and round and with a gentle bite burst their goodness into your mouth. Bunches and baskets of these get consumed in one sitting around my house this time of year.
How about these snack ideas. A big thick slice of rich red tomato, or perhaps whole eaten like and apple, warm and juicy, mmmm. California-grown cucumbers instead of crackers with a little fresh sour cream dip. A bag of Blue Lake beans is a crispy afternoon appetizer, either raw or slightly steamed. Steamed chard roll-ups stuffed with cilantro, hummus and fresh corn. Snap peas instead of peanuts for the baseball game. The list goes on and on!
What’s your favorite? What’s your best friend’s favorite? How about your sweetie? Can you name theirs? It’s fun to ask, and you may be surprised at the answer.
Whatever it is your produce department or farmers market will have the best freshest, organic produce available for your snacking pleasure all summer long.
So what are you waiting for? Let the snacking begin!