Ahh, summer. A time for relaxation under the sun. Not only does summer signal a time for the start of a three-month break from school, it also means that the best fruits are finally in season. With summer arriving in less than a month, it is time to switch out those apples and bananas for some strawberries and watermelons! And thankfully, our very own Isla Vista Food Cooperative has these fruits ready for us to enjoy.

Michelle Wan / Daily Nexus

On May 15, a table was set up in the Demo Corner of the Isla Vista Food Co-op displaying a variety of fresh fruits for students to enjoy. Visitors had the opportunity to taste-test pieces of yellow watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and mangoes with yogurt.

 

The Yellow Watermelon

Tired of eating the same red and green watermelons? Now, you have the opportunity to switch it up with yellow watermelon! Although a different color, its taste is still the same: sweet and crunchy. Since it is not peak watermelon season right now, the watermelon on display was not too sweet. However, the presenter mixed the watermelon with some Tajin seasoning. The seasoning, giving a tangy and spicy flavor that enhanced the sweetness of the watermelon. The flavor mixture tasted amazing and is highly recommended.

 

The Berries

Next to the watermelon were the strawberries and blueberries. Visitors were given small cups filled with berries. Both fruits were perfectly sweet and delicious. According to the presenter, the strawberries and blueberries were from Frecker Farms down in Carpinteria, a local and organic farm.

 

The Mangoes

Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Demo Corner, the mango and yogurt samples were gone. However, the presenter gave me some advice on what kinds of mangoes to buy. The mango in the picture provides a good color to look for when buying mangoes. Additionally, the several markings on the mango are completely fine. The picture provides a good representation of the ideal mango to look out for in stores.

 

Like the strawberries and blueberries, all of the fruits in the Isla Vista Food Co-op are brought in from local and organic farms. This means that while you are relishing the best fruits, you are also supporting small, local farms and healthy farming practices.

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