By Mary-Kathryn Craft

Options for healthy and tasty dishes are almost endless this time of year with so many fresh fruits and vegetables available. However, it can be easy for summer’s bounty of possibilities to overwhelm you.

Watermelons are in season in July and are great to eat when it’s hot outside as they help keep you hydrated. Follow these tips for selecting and storing watermelons:

• Choose symmetrical melons with dried stems and yellowish undersides
• Store at room temperature until cut
• Refrigerate cut watermelons in airtight container for use within five days.

Need a recipe? Download these It’s Your Health…Take Charge! recipe cards featuring a variety of vegetables and fruits including a great seasonal idea for minty watermelon cucumber salad.

Remember, fruits provide nutrients important for your health such a potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid. They are also naturally low in fat, sodium and calories. Vegetables are essential because they provide vitamins and minerals, and most are low in calories, too.

Check out DHEC’s serving size and shopping tips page for more ideas and resources on healthy eating.

If you’re looking for a farmer’s market that accepts Women, Infants and Children checks, use this map.