This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.
Why I Love Everything “Fresh From Florida”
I was born and raised in Florida, and I continue to make my home in the beautiful and quirky Sunshine State.
As a lifelong Florida resident, I think I’ve absorbed the very rhythm of the seasons here. Some people say Florida doesn’t have proper seasons, but they just haven’t lived here long enough to grasp the subtleties.
When I think of seasons, I think of what’s good to eat that’s Fresh from Florida. The arrival of watermelon season is hotly anticipated. As soon as I hear that there are Florida watermelons freshly stocked at my grocery store, I grab my keys and try not to run flat out for the car.
It’s the same for blueberry season. There’s nothing like a beautiful blueberry crumble, or a scoop of Greek yogurt piled high with blueberries and a drizzle of Florida’s amazing tupelo honey.
Right now, I’m also keeping an eye out for Florida tomatoes. Vine-ripened, juicy, and flavorful, they’re excellent for any purpose. I love making caprese salads with them.
And don’t forget the seafood! When Royal Red shrimp show up, they’re often gone from the seafood case in hours. That sweet, lobster-like flavor is unforgettable and highly sought after.
Soon, I’ll demonstrate my perfect recipe for corn on the cob, which is fresh from Florida from October through June, so be sure to check back to get the recipe.
In the mean time, visit the Fresh From Florida website for a handy chart of Florida crops in season, plus a monthly printable shopping list, a free cookbook, and much more.
You can check out a chart of the peak months for different kinds of Florida seafood and get plenty of delicious seafood recipes to inspire you in the kitchen or on the grill.
I also like to use the Florida U-Pick Farms locator so that we can take the whole family out to a real farm to pick produce.
Whatever kind of produce or seafood you enjoy, you’re sure to find something wonderful that’s Fresh from Florida!
Amanda @ Adorkablii
I love farm fresh food! I am huge on getting the best when it comes to my fruits and veggies. I am always looking at local markets and such for my area. My mom also grows these amazing tomatoes! They are so huge and taste amazing.
Now my dad has some amazing markets near him and his shore house! They are love!
Katie
Sounds fantastic! I wish I had a green thumb and could grow my own veggies, but I think I’m hopeless.
Lauren McKinley
There ‘s nothing better than farm fresh food! I love going to the Famer’s Market and finding the freshest ingredients to cook with. It motivates me to grow my own
I also love caprese salads. Yum!
Thanks for the great reminder to check what’s in season and local.
Katie
Always glad to be of help! When I write articles like this, it reminds me to shop local & seasonal, too!
Heather @ Country Life, City Wife
I am a Miami native who spent eight years in the Tampa Bay area (Clearwater/St. Pete and later South Tampa). I found myself nodding along to your entire post LOL! I saw the watermelons and immediately thought, “Arcadia!” They have a watermelon festival there. Of course the seafood. MMMM Oh how I love it. Grouper sandwich? SIGN.ME.UP. I just picked up some key limes the other day as a matter of fact to bust out a key lime pie. Love this post. You still have me smiling. 🙂
Katie
Yay, a fellow Floridian! Gotta love the Sunshine State.
Kristy @ Mommy Hates Cooking
Nothing compares to farm fresh food! The flavor just can’t be beat. When I can get my hands on fresh fruits and vegetables that is what we use. I’m a sucker for anything with blueberries. And caprese salads — ah, they taste so delicious!
Katie
I am a blueberry fanatic too! Sometimes we just wash them and eat them right out of the carton.
Censie Sawyer
Fresh veggies and fruit – one of the best parts of summertime. That corn looks absolutely amazing. We eat a lot of corn from Colorado through out the summer and the fall. Have you tried it grilled? My kids love it that way. This looks like a great option to try when looking for fresh produce.
Katie
Yes, I have! A local restaurant makes it grilled and tops it with cotija cheese. Delicious!
Britini
Florida strawberries are the perfect early spring treat as well! However, I love just about anything produce that comes out of the southern state! Sweet corn is probably the best though!
Katie
Sweet corn is awesome. I could eat two or three ears without even slowing down. 🙂
Aileen Adalid
Yum, I always love food that’s fresh from the farm! 😀 I haven’t been to Florida yet but this makes me eager to get myself over there soon. There’s so much for me to try!
Katie
I love it here in Florida! So much to see and do… and eat!