WRITTEN BY KATE CHALMERS
Seasonal eating involves consuming foods during their natural harvesting periods when they are at peak freshness. Historically, this was the norm, but modern food production and storage methods have made it simple for us to eat the same foods year-round. If you think about it, picking up fresh strawberries and tomatoes from the grocery store in the depths of winter really shouldn’t be a ‘normal’ thing to do at all….
Fortunately, there’s a growing trend to reconnect with the rhythm of nature through seasonal eating, benefiting both our health and the environment.
What Is Seasonal Eating?
Seasonal eating means consuming produce when it’s naturally ready for harvest, not artificially ripened or grown out of season. As the seasons change, so do the crops – summer brings sun-kissed tomatoes and melons, while winter offers hearty root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
What Are The Benefits of Seasonal Eating?
Eating seasonally ensures a varied and nutrient-rich diet, as naturally ripened produce contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For instance, bell peppers taste sweeter in summer when ripened under the sun, unlike those grown under artificial conditions in winter.
Seasonal eating supports sustainability by reducing the need for energy-intensive farming and long-distance food transport, which contribute to climate change. It also minimizes food waste, as seasonal produce is fresher and less likely to spoil during transport.
Additionally, seasonal foods support local economies, creating jobs and keeping money within communities. Seasonal eating can also be budget-friendly, especially when purchasing directly from farmers through markets or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.
How To Get Started With Seasonal Eating
The idea of seasonal eating can be quite daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the natural harvesting cycles of fruits and vegetables. But don’t worry – eating seasonally doesn’t have to be complicated, and is also a great way to reconnect with where your food comes from.
The first thing to remember is that many staple crops are available all year round without the need for intensive farming methods and long-haul transportation. So, foodstuffs that can be stored for several months in a cool place, such as potatoes and onions, can be on the menu whatever the season.
Additionally, many of your favorite dishes can easily be adapted to accommodate whatever ingredients are in season at that time. For example, if stir-fried vegetables are regularly on the menu in your kitchen, the veg selection can be adapted according to the season.
But how do you know what is in season? The best trick I can teach you is to look for loose fruit and vegetables that are produced locally – chances are these are fresh from the field using low-input farming methods. Local farmers’ markets or Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) veg box schemes are also a good source of seasonal fresh foods.
A Seasonal Food Guide
One of my favorite things about seasonal eating is that the foods available at different times of the year seem to match my nutritional and emotional needs. From comforting winter casseroles to juicy summer fruits, the changing seasons certainly seem to provide it all:
Spring
As the garden comes out of hibernation after the winter, it seems that green is everywhere! Look out for tender asparagus and sprouting broccoli, nutrient-packed leafy greens, and the first flush of freshly picked peas.
Summer
The warmth of summer brings color to seasonal produce, with a rainbow of bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash, and zucchini. Sweet, juicy summer fruits include strawberries, raspberries, melons, and peaches.
Fall
As we enter fall, harvests of sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cauliflower, spinach, beets, and broccoli find their way to the grocery store shelves.
Winter
When the chill of winter approaches, carb-heavy root vegetables come into season – think winter casseroles packed with carrots, parsnips, and rutabagas. A steady supply of brassica crops such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale will also continue, providing an excellent source of nutrients to keep us healthy and ward off those nasty winter bugs.
It is clear to see that embracing seasonal eating can lead to a flavorful, nutritious diet while supporting local farmers and the environment. Seasonal produce is fresher, more flavorful, and grown with fewer chemicals. Start today by exploring the seasonal offerings in your area and enjoy the benefits of eating with the rhythm of nature!
