While you may have heard that eating seasonally is good for you, it is not some new idea or trendy movement. People have been eating with the seasons for centuries. Before global transportation and big business, people ate what was prevalent from the land. It was common place to eat what was harvested and available from the fields. Many root vegetables and grains were stored to eat during the winter months, as well. People naturally enjoy produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers and watermelon during during the summer months, or carrots, squash or pumpkin in the fall when they are abundant. While they naturally taste better, there are other benefits from eating seasonally.

Importance Of Eating Seasonally

Everyone likes fresh food. It not only tastes better, but has more nutritional value than when it is purchased and consumed out of season. That’s because seasonal food doesn’t need to be transported far. Often times when produce is shipped, it is picked early and still needs to ripen. Chemicals may be used to enhance the ripening process and to assure they can be kept for a longer periods of time. Fresh produce on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily have all those chemicals and are much better for you.

Seasonal Food Is More Affordable

Eating seasonal food can save you money too. When produce is in season, there’s a generous supply, so the prices tend to go down. Farmers are happy to sell large quantities locally to reap their profits. They can also supply near by grocery stores with their plentiful harvest.

Connect With The Community

Seasonal eating provides a way to connect with the community. While some people like to garden and grow their own seasonal produce, others enjoy visiting a local farmers market. Farmers markets are popular these days and allow community members to buy from local vendors and farmers. Other community residents may join a Community Supported Agriculture group (CSA) in their area. When you join a CSA, you work directly with a local farmer. Most CSAs offer a membership program where you receive a box of fresh produce weekly during the growing season, which supports the local farmers, as well as helps community members. In my book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living, I talk a little about how CSAs benefit both the farmer and consumer. Farmers get to sell more of their crops and residents in the community get more fresh, nutritious produce to feed their families.

Adds Variety To Your Diet

They say that “variety is the spice of life.” Many people however, get stuck in a rut when it comes to eating and often eat the same things over and over. When you choose seasonal foods however, you not only give your taste buds variety, but you benefit from a variety of nutrients. Seasonal foods provide vitamins and minerals your body needs for a particular season. In the winter, more citrus foods are available, which are high in vitamin C and help prevent colds and flu. Winter vegetables such as potatoes and onions are prevalent, as well and work well for comfort foods, such as soups, stews and casseroles. Summer foods such as watermelon and cucumbers are considered cooling foods and help keep your body hydrated when it is hot. Lettuce, kale and peppers contain nutrients that provide energy and help keep you going.

More Home Cooking

Seasonal eating also gives you the opportunity to cook more. Many people eat out frequently, which isn’t always the best choice. Many restaurants serve large portions, so often times people eat more than should. Restaurant food many times contains unhealthy fats and additives that aren’t necessarily good for your body. It is always a better choice to cook your own food. When you cook yourself, you are in control of what you buy and ingredients you choose. Make sure you choose plenty of seasonal foods, when grocery shopping to reap their nutritional benefits. You can also look for new recipes try each season.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:

Henry, Alan. “Why Eating Seasonally and Locally Is Better for You (and Your Wallet).” Lifehacker, Lifehacker.com, 15 Apr. 2014, lifehacker.com/why-eating-seasonally-and-locally-is-better-for-you-an-1563025065.