Why Eating Seasonal Produce is Good for the Environment and Our Health

Eating seasonal produce is one of the best choices for both our environment and our health. By eating produce when it is naturally in season, we can minimize our environmental footprint and maximize the nutritional benefits of the produce we consume. Here are some of the benefits of eating seasonal produce, and how it can help us to save money, feel better, and live healthier.

Environmental Benefits

Eating seasonal produce is beneficial for the environment because it reduces the use of energy and resources to transport and store produce. Produce that is grown locally and in season has a much smaller carbon footprint than produce that must be imported from far away. Additionally, seasonal produce is more likely to be organically grown, meaning it is free of harmful pesticides that can cause environmental damage.

Health Benefits

Eating seasonal produce can also help us to feel better and live healthier. Seasonal produce is often fresher and more nutrient-dense than produce that is out of season. The nutritional content of produce can vary significantly depending on when it is harvested, so eating produce that is in season ensures we are getting the most vitamins and minerals from our food. Seasonal produce is also often less expensive than out of season produce, allowing us to save money and eat healthier.

Tips for Eating Seasonal Produce

If you want to enjoy the benefits of eating seasonal produce, here are a few simple tips to follow:

• Research what produce is in season in your area. You can usually find this information online or at your local farmers’ market.
• Plan your meals based on seasonal produce. Look for recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients, and make sure to buy and use them as soon as possible.
• Preserve seasonal produce. If you can’t eat all of the produce you buy, try to preserve it in some way such as freezing or canning.
• Visit your local farmers’ market. Not only are farmers’ markets a great way to find fresh, seasonal produce, they are also great places to meet farmers and learn about their growing practices.

Eating seasonal produce is one of the best choices we can make for both our environment and our health. By following these simple tips, we can ensure that we are eating the freshest, most nutritious produce, while also reducing our environmental footprint.