June 16th is a day to enjoy your vegetables because it’s Fesh Veggies Day!

Five portions a day? Seven? Ten? Nutritionists agree that when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, most of us just aren’t getting enough. Make a change on Fresh Veggies Day, and invite family and neighbors around for a fun and surprising meat-free feast.

Originally, Fresh Veggies Day was celebrated in early summer, when the tastiest new-season vegetables start to become plentiful. With one eye on the weather, take a trip to your local farmers’ market or specialist food store and stock up on whatever is ripe – along with some free recipe ideas. For some early crops, you may even be able to go to a farm and pick your own: why not get some friends together and plan a day out?

Of course, most gardeners will tell you that nothing beats the pride, satisfaction, and taste of home-grown veg. Seed clubs and gardening forums make it easy, and affordable, to cultivate your own weird and wonderful varieties.