Have you ever tasted a piece of fruit that was so sweet, so flavorful, and delicious? It’s likely that the fruit was in-season! While it can be easy to rely on a regular rotation of fruits and vegetables, there are many benefits to eating seasonally. Keep reading to explore what it means to eat seasonally and why it’s worth trying.
What Does Eating Seasonally Mean?
During certain times of the year, various fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested based on the climate of your area. Eating seasonally means aligning your dietary choices with what is “in-season” where you live. At a point in time, this was a natural way of life. The changing of the seasons was celebrated with the arrival new produce like spring greens, summer fruits, fall harvests, and winter root vegetables.
Today, we can easily transport produce across terrain and oceans, which gives us a wider variety year-round. While it is very convenient to have a large selection of produce to choose from, it’s not always obvious which produce is in-season and why it’s worth reaching for.
What are Some Benefits of Eating Seasonally?
- Flavor and Nutritional Quality: Harvested at its peak ripeness, the seasonal produce is more flavorful and has increased nutritional value. Fruits and vegetables allowed to ripen naturally on the vine and in the sun develop richer, sweeter flavors, while retaining higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Sustainability: Eating seasonally promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint from food transportation. By reaching for locally grown, seasonal produce, the need for long-distance shipments is reduced.
- Shopping Locally: By purchasing seasonal produce from local farmers’ markets where possible, you can directly support your local community.
- Budget-Friendly: Seasonal produce is often more affordable, because there is an abundance available locally at peak harvest time. By taking advantage of seasonal abundance and purchasing locally grown produce, you can experience fresher, higher-quality produce at a lower cost cost.
- Trying New Things: If you make an effort toward eating seasonally, the fruits and vegetables you typically consume might fall off the list. This can create a fun way to try new fruits, vegetables, and even recipes or different types of cuisine!
How to Get Started:
To start eating seasonally, first familiarize yourself with which fruits and vegetables are in season where you live during different times of the year. While there is plenty of information available online about this, another fun way to explore and expand your knowledge can be through visiting local farmers’ markets.
Once you’ve gained an understanding of the seasonal harvests in your area, you can start incorporating those fruits and vegetables into your diet. By making an effort toward eating seasonally, you can experience the benefits of enhanced flavor, nutrition, variety, and more.