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Hot days are here again which means Arizonans are after creative, low cost ways to keep cool.  It turns out that the answer to beating the summer heat can be found just down the hall in your kitchen.  Here are some of the ways that what you eat can help keep you cool.

Hydrating Fruits

Fruits are both delicious and refreshing, especially those that contain a lot of water like grapes, cantaloupe, and watermelon.  Whether you like them chopped, cubed, or frozen, fresh fruit makes a great addition to any meal while also helping to keep you hydrated.  Store them in the fridge to achieve maximum cooking potential. Here are some other easy ways to fill your hot summer days with fruit.

• Arizona Melon Dessert – Featuring water-rich cantaloupe and honeydew melon
• Chutney Melon Chicken Salad – Made with cubed chicken, grapes, golden raisins, and ripe honeydew melon
• Cool Arizona Melon Soup – Full of fresh cantaloupe and orange juice and topped with whipped cream.
• Pistachio Salad – Packed with pistachios, grapes, and pasta.

Very Cool Veggies

Fruit is not the only thing from the Farmers Market that can help you keep cool this summer.  There are a wide variety of veggies that can also help keep you cool and hydrated despite the triple-digit temps.  Slices of cucumber and radish and leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce all help your body stay hydrated which is one of the things your body needs in order to stay cool.  Here are some delicious ways to get these veggies into your daily diet.

• Armenian Cucumber Salad – Cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, and green onions are what make this dish delicious.
• Melon Cucumber Salad – Chock full of cucumbers, cantaloupe, and fresh salad greens.
• Fennel Spinach Pasta – Spinach tossed with fennel, onion, and just a hint of tomato
• Farmer’s Favorite Salad – Filled to the brim with great vegetables

Minty Cool

There is a reason that all those chewing gum commercials feature icy landscapes and cool scenes – mint has a cooling effect.  Add a little spearmint, peppermint, or mint leaves to your menu with these delicious dishes.

• Tomato, Cucumber, and Red Onion Salad with Mint – The name says it all!
• Sugar Snap Peas with Mint – Sugar snap peas flavored with garlic, onions, and mint leaves.
• Mint Tea Punch – Mint leaves plus orange juice and lemon juice equals refreshing.
• Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Soup – Cucumbers, raisins, yogurt, and mint.

Spice Things Up

Although it might not seem like it, eating spicy foods can actually cool you off.  Adding a bit of hot sauce here or some chili pepper there can help keep your temperature down.

• Arizona Quiche – Eggs, chili peppers, and bacon, what could be better!
• Cantaloupe Basil Salsa – Cantaloupe, basil, and jalapenos make this dip refreshing and delicious.
• Chili Rellenos Casserole – Green chilies, fresh eggs, and lots of cheese.
• Stuffed Hot Peppers – Italian sausage, cream cheese, and hot peppers.

Related articles

• Perfect Food for Poolside Parties (fillyourplate.org)
• How to Grow Tomatoes in Arizona (fillyourplate.org)
• An Unusual Place to Find Sweet Corn (fillyourplate.org)