June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!

“At Ashley we grow our own vegetables and fruit in our campus-garden to use in healthy meals prepared daily.” – Dave Taddeo, Head Chef at Ashley

For those of you who don’t have the time, resources or green thumb for a personal garden, here is a guide to buying the best fruits and veggies in your grocery store.

Fruits & Melons:

1. When purchasing fruits like oranges and grapefruits, choose those that feel the heaviest – it means they have more juice and will be sweeter.
2. Tree-ripened fruit should have even coloration across the surface.
3. Avoid buying fruits with dark marks and spots, or citrus fruits with white streaks or unusual colors on the surface.
4. Because they ripen on the ground, it’s common for melons to get scarring on one side but it doesn’t mean it’s bad.
5. The surface of most fruits should be smooth and even. It should be firm, but give a little.
6. Avoid any fruit with pits and dents under the surface. That means it has been damaged or is slowly rotting.

Veggies:

1. Surface of the vegetable should be consistent, evenly colored and firm all the way around.
2. Vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, onions and potatoes, should be as firm as possible.
3. Softness generally indicates slow rotting or bruising.
4. With leafy greens like lettuce and kale, look for firm, crisp and plump leaves that are consistently colored. Expect a little brownness and minor tears in the leaves due to shipping or handling.
5. Avoid root vegetables with cracks on the base, this means it’s too dry.

Fruits and Vegetables in Season for Summer:

Summertime Recovery

Your recovery gives you power to truly enjoy the most fun season of the year. Here are some activities that can make this your best summer yet.

• Immerse Yourself in Nature

Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and canoeing are a great way to be active and relax. Take some time for outside adventures.

• Volunteer

“It’s all about love and service, baby.” – Father Mark Hushen, Ashley President & CEO

Being in recovery is all about surrounding yourself with positive people. Helping others and volunteering is a great way to stay connected and it just makes you feel good! Search for volunteering opportunities in your community by using: createthegood.org, volunteermatch.com or check with your local chamber of commerce to help you find opportunities.

• Go Sightseeing and Travel

Traveling is a great way to immerse yourself in different cultural experiences. Visit museums, parks or landmarks.

• House Projects

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris

Get your feng shui on and rearrange furniture, paint your walls or make eccentric décor to get your home the way you have always wanted it.

• Learn Something New

Summer is the perfect time to finally learn that one thing you have been wanting to do. It could be an instrument, cooking, painting or a sport.

• Reading

“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.” – Vera Nazarian

Take some time to catch up on those books everyone has been raving about. Take it to your favorite park, coffee shop or outside spot.