Introduction
For centuries, humans have been using local, seasonal ingredients to create recipes that nourish our bodies and enhance our flavor palates. With the rise of industrial agriculture and a global food supply, it's becoming easier than ever to buy virtually any food from almost any place at any given time. However, eating seasonally has its own set of benefits that go beyond the convenience of having access to all kinds of produce year-round.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the science behind the benefits of eating seasonally, as well as some practical tips for incorporating local, fresh foods into your diet.
What Does Eating Seasonally Mean?
Eating seasonally refers to consuming foods that correspond with the natural cycle of foods in a certain geographic location. Simply put, it’s choosing to buy (or grow) produce that is in season at that given time.
Eating seasonally focuses on the idea of sustainability and eating with the seasons to conserve the environment’s resources. Eating locally also means cutting down on transportation costs and emissions that are associated with long-distance shipping, as well as supporting local economies.
The Benefits of Eating Seasonally
Research has shown that eating seasonally offers a host of benefits that can improve anyone’s overall health and well-being. Here are some of the top reasons why you should make an effort to incorporate local and fresh foods into your diet:
Greater Nutritional Content – Seasonal produce is fresher and contains the most nutrients since it’s been picked at the peak of ripeness. Additionally, the farther away food has to travel, the more nutrient-depleted it can become. By choosing locally grown foods, you can make sure that you’re getting the highest quality of vitamins and minerals available.
Cost Savings – Seasonal produce is often cheaper than imported food options because it doesn’t have to go through many transportation steps. Furthermore, buying in bulk directly from the farmer’s market or farmstand can often yield even more savings.
Better Taste – Seasonal produce is much more fragrant, flavorful, and crunchier than out-of-season produce. When it’s in season, you’ll notice that it will provide a much more vibrant flavor and overall experience.
Environmental Benefits – Eating seasonally helps reduce our carbon footprint due to fewer transportation steps, as well as fewer greenhouse gases released from food production.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Local and Fresh Foods into Your Diet
Now that you know some of the main benefits of eating seasonally, here are a few practical tips to help you incorporate local and fresh produce into your diet:
Find a Local Farm or Farmers Market – Located near city areas across the country and internationally, farmers markets are becoming increasingly popular. They're a great option for finding locally-grown produce at an affordable price. Additionally, you’ll also get the benefit of meeting the farmers and getting to ask questions about their produce.
Choose In-Season Produce – While it may be tempting to buy out-of-season produce in order to satisfy your cravings, it’s best to stick to seasonal options. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables available in the spring and summer months alone, such as oranges, apples, cherries, blueberries, beets, carrots, and tomatoes.
Subscribe to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program – CSA programs are a great way to connect with a local farm and receive regular deliveries of locally grown produce. You can typically order boxes of fresh produce to be delivered to your door for either a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Go Pick Your Own – Many farms and orchards offer “pick your own” options, where customers can go out and pick their own produce. So, if you’re looking to get outdoors, bask in some sunlight, and grab some fresh produce, this can be a great option.
Buy “Ugly” Produce – As the name implies, ugly produce is usually those that don’t conform to the “perfect” standards of supermarket-supplied produce. However, just because it’s a bit of an odd shape or has a discoloring doesn’t mean it isn’t edible or as healthy. In fact, many grocery stores are now offering boxes of ugly produce at discounted prices in order to reduce food waste.
Conclusion
Eating seasonally comes with a whole set of benefits from greater nutritional content to reduced environmental impact. Incorporating local and fresh foods into your diet is the best way to enjoy the flavors of the season while supporting local communities and the environment.
By following the tips outlined above, you can start to make healthier food choices that are both good for you and the planet. So, make an effort to find locally-grown produce near you, and start adding seasonal produce on to your plate today.