Seasonal eating is one of the most sustainable ways of eating. It allows you to enjoy local produce instead of always looking for imported stuff.
When you want to eat in a seasonal manner, one of the best places to buy your produce is at local farmers’ markets. This is where you’ll find the fruits and vegetables that are in season for that time of the year. This means you might not have some foods during other times, but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying some wonderful, locally-grown produce that doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you.
What are some benefits of seasonal eating?
You’ll save money
Typically, seasonal vegetables are much more affordable than those that have been shipped in from other regions and countries. The items that are in season tend to be less expensive than those grown in other areas. You can find some great buys at some stores, but only if they carry locally-grown produce. The farmers’ markets in your area are great places to find some incredible buys, especially if you’re willing to grab the leftover vegetables at the end of the day.
This food is fresher
Have you ever looked at the labels on your food to learn where its grown? Food that is grown thousands of miles away must be preserved in some fashion to reach the stores fresh. Buying food that is grown in your local area and harvested during the season means you’ve got fresher food for your plate. This means you should have tastier and more vibrant colors in the food you choose that has been locally-grown and made ready for your plate.
Seasonal food is healthier
One of the greatest benefits of seasonal eating is the health benefits of this food. The food that is locally sourced is produced fresher and has more nutrients to help you be healthier. Many large markets and grocery chains tend to stock food filled with preservatives, which aren’t good for you. These preservatives can be harmful to some people and contribute to certain food sensitivities. The nutrients found in locally sourced foods include antioxidants such as Vitamin C, folate, and carotenes. These items decline with preserved foods, which makes seasonal freshness much better for you.
The flavors are much better
One of he most important reasons for some people to enjoy seasonal eating are the flavors of the food. More nutrients means more flavor, which is why you probably love the taste of homegrown vegetables right from your backyard garden much more than you do anything you get from the store. When crops travel a long distance, they go through several different processes to prevent spoiling, but when the food is local that doesn’t happen. Seasonal eating brings out the best flavors of your food.
Local, local, local
When you choose to eat with the season and enjoy the foods that are grown and harvested in your area for each season, you get to enjoy foods that are from farms around you. This is like supporting small, local businesses, but in this case, it’s the farms that you support. Check out the various farmers’ markets in your area and enjoy the local seasonal flavors that are sold each weekend. These local foods can give you the chance to eat something new and different from what you normally enjoy.
Your body responds better
Many leafy green vegetables are high in Vitamin C, which is extremely important for your body. This vitamin helps prevent infections, colds, and some variations of the flu. Many winter vegetables are leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. When you turn to summer, some stone fruits give you extra beta-carotenes and other carotenoids that help against sun damage. They also give you the desired sweetness for an energetic summer. When you enjoy seasonal eating, it’s better for your body.
You become a more creative cook
When you focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are in season for each time of the year, you’ll become a much more creative cook. This means you can enjoy making some delicious foods based on the produce found at the farmer’s market. This variety helps you have a healthy diet that is better for you. You might find some veggies that you’ve never had before that will become one of your seasonal favorites at your local farmers’ market.
Seasonal eating is one of the healthiest and best ways for you to enjoy your food and support your local growers. What produce will you find at the farmers’ market this week?
