It's the Sweetest Season of the Year: Berry Season!

If you've ever twisted a perfectly ripe blackberry off its climbing vine or collected a basket of plump blueberries from low-sitting bushes, you know just how uniquely delicious berries can be during the summer. They literally pop with flavor. And there's just nothing like a sun-ripened berry that screams summer – though our Summer Berry Galette comes close!

As we reach the halfway point of the year this week, there's no better time to celebrate berries. They're at their prime, still in season and ready to be eaten ripe, freshly picked or perfectly bought from your local farmer's market. You can do so much with simple berries too. Serve a slice of hearty Blueberry Cheesecake-Stuffed French Toast Casserole for breakfast, or decorate your dinner table with a Mixed Berry Burrata Salad. Mix them into handmade ice cream or slice them up into single-serve Strawberry Cheesecakes. Or, turn luscious strawberries into a sweet Strawberry Chia Jam you can use even as berry season winds down.

Berries are more than a sweet, juicy treat. Almost every variety under the sun offers fabulous health benefits – strawberries, for example, lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Blueberries are especially fantastic for your brain, as these tart little berries fight oxidation and inflammation. Sure, you'll get sweetness. But berries can also be a fantastic addition to give your health and wellness a bit of a lift. Put summer berries on your shopping list this week, and find plenty of seasonal inspiration with our online recipes. 

Discover the Best Farmers' Markets Across the US

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Farmers' markets are finally back! After a long year that saw many local markets shutter for the whole season, states and cities are welcoming back their favorite farmers' markets and all of the gorgeous bounties they have to offer weekly. And there's really no better time than right now – the height of summer – to check out the fresh produce lining the stalls of your local market.

Of course, the green husks of corn, richly-colored berries, blooming bouquets of flowers and crowns of cauliflower are just a few highlights of shopping at the farmer's market. Supporting local producers also helps your larger community, while the shared experience of spending time again with farmers and fellow shoppers is a welcome change of pace.

In celebration of the return of farm-fresh foods to cities throughout the US, we've created a curated list of farmers' markets to explore. Discover which destination in your home state made the list, and plan a visit this weekend!

See if your local farmer's market is on our list »

Fresh ways to put local farmer's market produce to use:

Your Simple, In Season Summer Meal Plan

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Summer afternoons and evenings shouldn't be spent in front of the stove! With our 20-ingredient summer meal plan, you'll be able to whip up healthy meals and still find time to get outside to enjoy all that this season has to offer. And every one of the meals helps you take advantage of summer-fresh foods. 

How to Choose the Tastiest Foods at the Farmer's Market

Overwhelmed by all of the colorful, freshly picked foods you see at your local farmer's market? It can be tricky to tell what's worth buying and what you should skip. We've created a handy guide that'll help you choose the freshest, healthiest and prime in-season foods as you shop this summer.

Save Time With These Speedy Summer Suppers

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Figuring out what to make for dinner shouldn't be complicated, especially when there's even more sunlight to enjoy every evening. That's why we created simple summer recipes with no more than 10 ingredients. You can keep your cooking simple – and they're quick too, taking just 15, 20 or 30 minutes total.

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What we've been reading this week:

It's time to fine-tune your workout playlist – Women's Running explains how the music you listen to while exercising can make workouts easier.

If you're following the paleo diet, learn how to keep summer grilling simple with Better Nutrition's paleo-friendly BBQ recipes.

Sitting at your desk all day can leave you seriously sore. Yoga Journal is sharing stretches that'll counterbalance long periods of staying seated.

Creamy, silky and perfect for summer, Vegetarian Times has a Vegan Mango Sherbet recipe you'll want to make for a cool, sweet treat.

Yoga Journal's Roasted Rainbow Cauliflower with Turmeric Tahini Dressing recipe highlights sweet and savory Moroccan-inspired flavors.

Wish you could bring your pets along on adventures? Backpacker is sharing the story of Floki the Adventure Cat who summits mountains.

Go beyond the basic lettuce wrap and discover how to create creative, delicious sandwich wraps at Better Nutrition without gluten or grains.

Before you plan your next summer camping trip, read Outside's guide to the best campgrounds in every state to find somewhere new to explore.

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