There’s nothing like late summer’s farm treasures: peaches, heirloom tomatoes, corn on the cob, and basil. Basically each Sunday I just go and get all the things that look delicious, and make them into a summer feast!
Many people think that peaches are pretty and delicious, but don’t realize their tremendous nutritional benefits. I was surprised myself when I learned about all of peaches’ secrets. Peaches provide 6% of your daily vitamin A and 15% of your daily vitamin C needs. They also contain vitamins E and K, niacin, folate, iron, choline, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper. But possibly more important: peaches are packed with antioxidants–beneficial plant compounds that combat oxidative damage and help protect your body against aging and disease. They aid in digestion due to their high fiber content. Peaches reduce total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure and triglyceride levels, meaning they are healthy for your heart. They help the skin’s ability to retain moisture (GLOW, honey!) Most amazingly, peaches are rich in carotenoids and caffeic acid — two types of antioxidants found to have anticancer properties, AND contain polyphenols which may have the ability to kill cancerous cells, without causing any damage to healthy ones.
So…don’t worry about eating a lot of them. Throw them together with an heirloom tomato and some grilled corn and basil. All they need is a little sea salt and a sprinkling of balsamic vinegar, and you have the most candy-like summer dinner salad that your whole family will gobble down. I really, really wanted leftovers, but alas. I guess I’ll have to just make another batch today!
p.s. Our Autumn Cleanse is available for sale and there’s an EARLY BIRD SPECIAL now through Sept. 13! Check it out!
- 2 peaches
- 1 heirloom tomato (extra large)
- 2 Corn on the cob
- 3 basil sprigs
- sea salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- Turn your grill to high and shuck the corn. Cook corn, rotating several times, for about 8 minutes on the grill until charred in some spots.
- Meanwhile, cut tomato into large chunks, and add to a bowl, salting generously, and add the peaches and basil leaves. Let corn cool, and then remove kernels with a knife, making sure to scrape out the juicy bits of corn that are left behind, and add all to bowl. Drizzle with balsamic and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Keep cold and serve!
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