Why you should eat by the seasons
Today it’s so simple to transport food long distances that we take it for granted that we can eat fresh cherries in July or have avocado toast every day. There are many reasons why you should eat by the seasons.
Less than 100 years ago, most people knew the best time to pick blackberries or which vegetables would grow best in their area and when. So many of us are now living in cities and in apartments combined with our fast paced lives we have lost touch with these basic ideas.
Even if you can’t grow your own fruit and vegetables, knowing what is in season and eating to match the season is still important. Here are some of the best reasons to eat by the seasons and some great benefits that come along with it.
My top three reasons for eating by the seasons
- Freshness, Flavour & Nutrition
The simple fact is the sooner you eat a freshly picked fruit or vegetable the better. Almost as soon as its picked the nutritional value starts to wane. Produce that’s grown and consumed in their appropriate seasons are also more nutritionally dense. When foods are grown out of season, they can’t follow their natural growing and ripening rhythms. For certain fruits and vegetables to be available year-round, post ripening treatments are used. These include chemicals, gases, and heat processes. Some produce is also coated with an edible film to protect it. While this process ensures that farmers can meet consumer demand year-round, researchers have found that artificially ripened produce is often not as nutritious or tasty as naturally ripened foods. Who can deny the amazing taste of a freshly picked apple or cherry tomato. If haven’t experienced this you should head to your local farmer’s market, you won’t regret it ! (You will find a link to your closest Farmer’s market a the end of this article.)
- More Economical
When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are simply cheaper due to their abundance. Meanwhile, if you’re craving Asparagus in July, you’ll probably pay twice as much as you would in September/ October. Why? Asparagus is in season during the spring, so the supply is higher, driving down the price. My tip for saving money on healthy food is to buy in-season produce (it also tastes better). The bottom line is that eating with the seasons will save you money.
- Kind To The Environment
How far did the cherries or lettuce you bought at your local supermarket travel before they were stocked on the shelves? Most of us give little thought to the effects of this long-distance travel on not only the nutritional value of our food and the costs but also the environmental cost especially fuel and emissions. Sticking to local produce can be a great way to help discover what is in season near you. Buying local helps support your local farmers. I highly recommend your local farmers’ market if you haven’t been before – that’s where you will find locally produced and seasonal produce.
So, what’s in Season right now? SPRING!
Keep in mind that where you live makes a difference in what’s available during each season, but this can give you a general idea.
- Asparagus
- Artichoke
- Asian greens
- Blueberries
- Cucumbers
- Leek
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Strawberries
- Garlic
- Kale
- Leafy Greens
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
My Watercress Salad is a lovely fresh seasonal salad. You could also add blueberries or radishes!
I hope this has given you something to think about and why you should eat by the seasons. Is this something you do or would start doing? Find your closest Farmer’s market in Australia Here.