The Benefits of Eating Seasonal Foods: Why It’s Worth It

In our modern world of year-round produce availability and global food distribution, it’s easy to forget the importance and benefits of eating foods that are in season. However, reconnecting with seasonal eating not only enhances the flavor of our meals but also brings a host of other advantages that are worth considering. Here’s why you should consider incorporating more seasonal foods into your diet.

1. Fresher and More Nutritious

I’m a registered dietitian, so it should come as no surprise that this is my number one reason to eat seasonally. When you consume foods that are in season and locally sourced, you are likely getting produce that has been recently harvested. This means it retains more of its nutrients compared to foods that have traveled long distances or have been sitting on shelves for an extended period. Fresher produce generally has higher vitamin and mineral content, ensuring that you’re getting the most nutritional value out of your food.

2. Better Flavor Experience

Seasonal foods tend to taste better. Think about the burst of flavor from a ripe, juicy peach in the summertime or the crisp sweetness of an apple picked in the fall. Side note – there is almost nothing I love more than the sweetness of fresh strawberries from the farmers’ market in the summer. It’ll make you never want to eat an out-of-season strawberry again (which I barely do anyway)! Eating foods when they are in season allows you to experience their peak taste, as they are harvested at the right time and haven’t undergone artificial ripening or long storage periods that can compromise flavor.

3. Supports Local Agriculture

Choosing seasonal foods often means supporting local farmers and producers. By purchasing from local markets and farms, you contribute to your community’s economy and help sustain farming practices that are in harmony with the local environment. This can also reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and storage.

4. Cost-Effective

Looking to save your coins? Seasonal foods are typically more affordable because they are abundant during their peak harvest times. When produce is in season, there is usually a surplus, leading to lower prices compared to out-of-season items that need to be imported or grown under more controlled conditions.

5. Environmental Benefits

Eating seasonally aligns with sustainable food practices. When you choose foods that are naturally abundant in your area during specific times of the year, you reduce the demand for out-of-season produce that requires extensive resources like artificial heating, lighting, and transportation. This helps in conserving energy and reduces the overall environmental impact of food production.

6. Culinary Diversity and Creativity

Embracing seasonal eating encourages two of my favorite things in the kitchen: culinary exploration and creativity. As different foods come into season throughout the year, it prompts us to try new recipes, experience a range of flavors, and use different cooking techniques. It also reconnects us with age-old traditions of preparing meals based on what nature provides, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cycles of nature.

How to Start Eating Seasonally

Transitioning to a more seasonal diet is easier than it may seem. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Visit Farmers’ Markets: One of the easiest, if not the easiest, ways to learn about what foods are in season throughout the year is to visit your local farmers’ market, being that they sell what is locally grown in your region throughout the year. You can find your nearest market via a simple Google search.
• Use Seasonal Produce Guides: Still not sure about what’s in season throughout the year? Here’s a handy tool that’ll help you discover what’s in season near you.
• Plan Seasonal Meals: Look up seasonal recipes and plan your meals around what’s available locally. Another tip is to socialize when you are at the farmers’ market – ask farmers/workers and other shoppers about their favorite ways to use up specific seasonal foods.
• Preserve and Store: If you find a seasonal favorite, consider preserving it for later use by canning, freezing, pickling or drying.
• Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): CSA programs offer regular deliveries of seasonal produce from local farms, connecting you directly to the source. Again, a Google search for CSAs in your area is your best bet if you are unsure.

By making small adjustments to our food choices and being mindful of what’s in season, we can reap a multitude of benefits for our health, the environment, and our communities. So, the next time you’re at the market, consider opting for those vibrant, in-season fruits and vegetables—they’re not just delicious; they’re a step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.