Eating Foods in Season: Benefits, Tips & Examples

Choosing to eat foods that are in season comes with a variety of benefits, from improved nutrition to environmental and economic advantages. Eating seasonal foods can also be an enjoyable way to explore the local cuisine and discover new recipes. Here, we’ll outline the main benefits of eating seasonally, provide tips on how to find and prepare seasonal foods, and provide some examples of seasonal ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits of Eating Seasonally

When selecting produce, it’s best to opt for items that are in season. This ensures that the food is picked when it’s ripe and packed with nutrients. By contrast, foods that are out of season are often picked early and shipped long distances, reducing their nutrient content. Additionally, research shows that foods that are in season tend to contain higher levels of antioxidants than imported options. Furthermore, seasonal varieties are generally more flavorful and cost-effective, as they’re grown closer to where they’re consumed.

Environmental Benefits

Eating seasonally can also have a positive impact on the environment. It reduces the need for long-distance transport, which can produce significant amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Additionally, purchasing local, seasonal foods is a great way to support your local farmers, who often use sustainable farming practices.

Economic Benefits

The economic benefit of eating seasonally is twofold. First, seasonal foods are often cheaper than imported options, which reduces the cost of your grocery bill. Additionally, buying from local farmers and markets supports your local economy. This helps to create jobs and stimulates economic activity in your region.

Tips for Choosing and Preparing Seasonal Foods

The best way to incorporate seasonal foods into your diet is to shop at local farmers’ markets, where you can find a variety of seasonal produce. You can also look for signs at your local grocery store that indicate which items are in season. Additionally, be sure to buy only what you can use in order to avoid food waste. When preparing seasonal foods, opt for simple recipes that let the ingredients shine. Roasting, steaming, or sautéing are all great methods for cooking seasonal produce.

Examples of Seasonal Foods

In the spring, look for asparagus, artichokes, spinach, and strawberries. In the summer, opt for peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, and summer squash. Fall is the perfect time to stock up on apples, squash, pumpkins, and pears. And in the winter, you can find kale, Brussels sprouts, oranges, and other citrus fruits.

Conclusion

Eating seasonally comes with a variety of benefits, from improved nutrition to environmental and economic advantages. When selecting produce, it’s best to opt for items that are in season and shop at local farmers’ markets or look for signs at your local grocery store. Additionally, be sure to buy only what you can use in order to avoid food waste. Finally, opt for simple recipes that let the ingredients shine.