Do you associate a favorite food with a certain time of year? Perhaps it’s corn on the cob or bright red strawberries? Do you remember them tasting better during a certain season?
As consumers, we have become accustomed to having access to all kinds of foods year-round, regardless of the season. But did you know that eating foods that are in-season has several benefits, not just for your health, but also for the environment and local farmers?
Here are some of the benefits of choosing in-season foods.
1. Better Nutritional Value: In-season foods are usually fresher and have higher nutritional value than out-of-season produce. For example, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that freshly picked broccoli had higher levels of vitamin C and other nutrients than broccoli that had been stored for several days. Eating in-season fruits and vegetables can help ensure that you’re getting the most nutrients from your food.
2. More Flavorful: In-season produce tends to have more flavor than out-of-season produce. When fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak, they are usually more flavorful and aromatic than those that are harvested early or late. A perfectly ripe tomato in the summer will be sweeter and more flavorful than a tomato that’s been shipped across the country in the winter.
3. Supports Local Agriculture: When you choose in-season foods, you’re also supporting local agriculture. By purchasing locally grown produce, you’re helping to support small farmers and local economies. This can also help reduce the carbon footprint of your food, as the transportation and storage required to get out-of-season produce to your plate can be energy-intensive. If you live near a farmers market, make a point to visit and talk with local farmers about their food.
4. Saves Money: In-season produce is often less expensive than out-of-season produce, as it doesn’t require as much effort to grow and transport. By choosing in-season fruits and vegetables, you can save money on your grocery bill and still enjoy fresh, flavorful produce.
5. Helps with Meal Planning: Eating in-season can also make meal planning easier. When you know what fruits and vegetables are in season, you can plan your meals accordingly and make the most of what’s available. This can help you vary your diet and try new recipes that you might not have considered before. You may also find it’s easier to get in the appropriate number of fruit and vegetable servings per day.
Here are a few examples of seasonal fruits and vegetables to be on the lookout for. Note that some overlap seasons.
Spring
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peas
- Pineapples
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Strawberries
Summer
- Avocados
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Mangos
- Peaches
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Summer Squash
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Fall
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Grapes
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Lettuce
- Mangos
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Pears
- Peas
- Pineapples
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Radishes
Winter
- Avocados
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Onions
- Oranges
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes and yams
As a resource, you can find your favorite seasonal food items at https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/.
Eating in-season foods has several benefits, from better nutritional value and flavor to supporting local agriculture and saving money.
By choosing in-season fruits and vegetables, you can not only improve your health but also do your part in creating a more sustainable food system. So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, take a look at what’s in season and give it a try!
