As the seasons change, so do our diets. Eating food that’s ‘in-season’ is more than just a trend – it’s the best way to guarantee flavor, freshness, and nutritional content. Shopping local and seasonal produce is a great way to support farmers and their communities, while also minimizing environmental impact. Let’s take a closer look at how to find and make the most of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
1. Unlocking the Joy of Seasonal Eating
Eating seasonally is something that many people miss out on in today’s world. For all the benefits of modern grocery stores and convenience, it can be difficult to get the same flavor from seasonal foods that can be found in their local and natural environment. Even if you live in an area with some seasonal produce, it can be expensive or hard to find.
Unlock the Joys of Seasonal Eating
- Seek Out Local Sources
- Experience the Flavors
- Connect with Community
- Stay Healthy
Finding local growers is an excellent way to get your hands on seasonal food! Farmer’s markets, agricultural fairs, CSA programs, or even farms that offer pick-your-own options can help you find what’s currently in season. Get to know your vendors and get a better understanding of what local produce is available to you.
When you cook with local and seasonal ingredients, it can add new flavors to the recipes you already know and love. Pat yourself on the back for being creative and trying something new in the kitchen! It’s a great way to experiment with new and interesting flavors.
Cooking and eating seasonally means being a part of a larger food system, which includes the farmers, the workers, and the eaters. You can feel a sense of connection to your community by knowing where your food comes from and the hard work that goes into bringing it to you.
Eating seasonally is also beneficial to your health. Since locally-grown produce hasn’t often been shipped miles and miles, it is usually as fresh as can be when you purchase it. Eating foods that are in season can mean that you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
So, start exploring your area to see what produce is in season and unlock the joy of seasonal eating. You’ll be sure to find something delicious and nutritious to add to your plate!
2. The Benefits of Shopping Local and Fresh
Shopping local and fresh offers a host of benefits to both the consumer and local businesses. Here are just a few of the top reasons why it’s a win-win situation for both:
- Quality: Many local markets and groceries purchase local produce that is of higher quality compared to store-bought produce that may have been transported in from elsewhere. The freshness and better flavor of in-season, locally sourced produce is undeniable.
- Supporting Local Economy: Strengthening the local economy is another major benefit of shopping local. Spending money at a local business means that revenue is more likely to go back into the local economy which could provide residents with more jobs, better infrastructure, and even tax benefits.
- Healthier Options: Local stores often offer more organic and ‘clean’ produce compared to large corporate stores, providing a larger selection of healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetable and other items.
Shopping local isn’t only beneficial on an economic and health level, it can also help preserve the environment. Purchasing goods from a local source reduces the need for long-distance transport of goods and can help cut down on the production of harmful emissions that occur during such travel.
Investing in your local community is not something to take lightly. Shopping local and fresh is a great way to support your local economy, enjoy fresh and high-quality produce and foods, and even help preserve the environment.
3. A Handy Guide to Seasonal Produce Shopping
Fresh, seasonal produce is abundant and available at local grocers and farmers markets most of the year round. Whether it’s for a succulent side dish or to make a kick-ass summer salad, knowing the best seasonal items can upgrade any dish. Here’s a helpful guide for the top produce to keep an eye out for seasonally.
Winter: Winter garden produce can still be vibrant and vary from hearty roots to sweet and savory citrus. The top winter items to keep an eye out for include:
- Beets
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Oranges
- Tangerines
- Pomegranates
These items generally last quite a while when stored correctly, so you can pick up in bulk and preserve some of your winter favorites.
Spring: Think herbaceous and lemony flavors of the season! This is the perfect time to begin adding delicate and fresh seasonal items to your recipes. Notable items for your grocery list include:
- Asparagus
- Fennel
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Kohlrabi
- Rhubarb
Easily perishable, make sure you don’t wait too long for these to find their way onto your plate.
Summer: Varieties of veggies, fruit and greens are in season during the summer months. Enjoy some savory dishes as you incorporate more vibrant produce:
- Cucumbers
- Beet Greens
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Plums
It’s the peak season, so be sure to splash on the freshness of summer whenever you can.
Fall: Nothing beats the rich and robust flavors of fall produce – squash, pumpkins and root veggies galore! To recreate some fall classics, make sure to keep an eye out for:
- Grapes
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Pumpkins
- Spinach
- Apples
- Cabbage
- Butternut squash
Ultimately, make sure to check in your local markets for seasonal items and get creative with your recipes!
4. Reaping the Flavorful Rewards of Eating Seasonally
Eating seasonally not only brings flavor and freshness to any meal, but takes on wider implications for the planet and beyond. Through eating locally and respecting the natural distinctiveness of seasonal flavors, we can reap the flavorful rewards of our environment in a way never before possible.
Winter squashes, root crops, and hearty greens can give us the energy and nourishment we need to get through the colder months. Parsnips, beets and potatoes are roasted to sweet, earthy perfection and make hearty additions to soups and stews. Embarking on a journey in search of the flavors every season can bring is an exciting prospect, one that can open up a world of culinary possibilities.
- Spring: Springtime brings bright, leafy greens that are full of nutrients. Artichoke, asparagus, fava beans, ramps, and morel mushrooms are plentiful. Salad greens of all types can provide a light, refreshing accompaniment to a meal.
- Summer: The bounty of summer crops can provide a delicious, refreshing respite from the heat. Corn, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, and zucchini can bring any dish to life. Don’t forget local berries, peaches, and melons for a sweet finish or snack.
- Autumn: Fall produce brings an array of colors to the table. Apples, pears, cranberries, and pumpkins fill our tables with flavor as the days cool. Kale, beets, and Brussels sprouts become more abundant as the season changes. Hearty, full-bodied vegetables come into their own as a centerpiece.
Eating seasonally challenges us to embrace the uniqueness of each season and get creative with our use of produce. Not only are we able to reap the flavorful rewards of each season, but by eating locally and responsibly, we also help to reduce our environmental impact.
By shopping at seasonal markets, growing your own produce, or purchasing locally-grown produce, you’ll be sure to have the freshest and healthiest ingredients at your fingertips. Get ready to celebrate the seasons with a variety of delicious and nutritious meals brought to you by seasonal eating!
