Fresh Summer Produce Enhances Labor Day Celebrations

— Written By and last updated by
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer on the first Monday in September. Created by the labor movement in the late 1800s, it pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Modern workers still deserve a day of relaxation and time with family and friends. If you are planning an event or party that includes food, now is the time to celebrate with seasonal ingredients. Fortunately, local gardens and farmers’ markets still offer coveted vegetables that are only available locally in the summer.

While fresh tomatoes are fabulous sliced with salt and pepper, this recipe adds flair and other garden fresh ingredients:

Greek Tomato Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients
4 medium tomatoes, sliced
½ medium onion, thinly sliced
½ green bell pepper, chopped
1 small cucumber, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ cup of crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine the tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cucumbers in a bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the basil, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic together and add this mixture to the vegetables. Stir until combined.
  3. Garnish with feta cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Storing tomatoes:
Store tomatoes (unwashed) at room temperature in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate tomatoes, as it will cause them to lose their flavor.

Just as you may be getting tired of summer squash, this recipe provides a fresh alternative:

lemon basil summer squash

Lemon Basil Summer Squash

Serves 6

Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, washed
2 medium yellow squash, washed
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves of garlic, minced
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandolin, peel zucchini and yellow squash into ribbons and place the ribbons in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, pepper, and garlic. Mix well.
  3. Pour the oil mixture over the vegetables and stir until combined. Add the basil and oregano and toss to combine.
  4. Top the mixture with the parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Storing squash:
Store, unwashed, in the refrigerator crisper, where they will keep for approximately one week.