Thanks to its warm, tropical climate, Southern Florida produces a plethora of delicious fruits, vegetables and herbs. That means juicy, sweet citrus, yummy tropical fruits and dozens of varieties of fresh and seasonal, right-off-the-farm veggies. You can enjoy seasonal produce bursting with bright flavor at its peak, fresh from the farm.

In Southern Florida, Arden, a new master-planned community from Freehold Communities, is incorporating the freshest locally grown fruits and vegetables into a farm-to-table experience for its residents. A central feature of Arden is a working farm. Residents will be able to take seasonal classes with the farm manager, focusing on healthy eating, the farm-to-fork cuisine and lifestyle, cultivating herbs and flower arranging, among others.

Why is this good news? According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “fresh is best.” Eating seasonal produce at its peak means products are fresher and tastier, plus nutritional value is optimized. Additionally, eating seasonally encourages a diverse diet, is often more economical and harmonizes with nature’s production cycle, reports the FDACS website.

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of South Florida’s bounty. Avocado, citrus, eggplant, greens, squash, lettuce and green beans are just a few fruits and veggies now in season. Just in time for the holidays, try these recipes using Florida’s best seasonal produce:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/avocado-and-grapefruit-salad-recipe.html

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/229936/cheesy-squash-and-zucchini-casserole/

Visit the link below to view a grid from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which shows when most major crops are typically harvested in Florida throughout the year:

Crops in Season

For a list of the best edibles by season, click below:

South Florida Local Harvest Calendar

To learn more about Arden and its community garden, join our Founders Club and be the first to receive updates and invites to upcoming events.