Why You Should Eat In Season
We all have our favorite season. Yet, regardless of whether we prefer summer or winter, every season presents us with a new array of fresh fruits and vegetables. While all fruits and vegetables are available all year round, there are some good reasons to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season. Here are 5 of them.
More Nutritionally Dense
When you buy fruits and veggies that are in season, they will have a far higher nutritional value than those that are stored for long periods and transported from the other side of the world. As a result of that enhanced freshness and nutritional content, the food will taste a lot better. Eating foods very close to the time of their harvest will also increase their antioxidant and phytochemical value.
Better Value
Buying your fruits and vegetables when they are in season will save you money. That is because of the lower transportation costs when the food has been produced locally. There will also be lower storage costs. Conversely, when a food has to come from the other side of the world when it is in season, the transportation and storage costs could easily double the in-season cost. That will dramatically inflate your weekly shopping bill.
Tastier
If you were to compare a Granny Smith apple that is in-season with one that has come from the other side of the world, you will notice a dramatic difference. The in-season apple will be a whole lot fresher, sweeter, and tastier. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a lot more flavorful, regardless of what food it is.
Provides Needed Nutrients
Our nutritional needs differ according to the season. For instance, in winter we need more vitamin C to support our immunity and ward off winter colds and flu. Seasonal winter vegetables are naturally high in vitamin C along with the other nutrients that your body needs during that season. Winter vegetables are also well suited for making the soups, casseroles, and stews that are perfect for wintry days.
Summer foods are naturally high in beta-carotene that we need to protect our videos from skin exposure. It also provides us with perfect summer fruits and vegetables like watermelon and salad vegetables.
Eco Friendly
When we eat fruits and vegetables that are in season we are benefiting the environment and the local economy. Buying local fresh foods supports community businesses. It also means that there are reduced transportation costs and related pollution. In addition, there will be a diminished need for refrigeration, irradiation, and hothouses.
Wrap Up
Eating in season makes a lot of sense, improving the health of your body and your bank account. In order to make this work for you, you need to know which foods are in season and plan your menus around them. Here are the top 5 fruits and vegetables for each of the seasons:
Winter
Leeks
Beets
Kiwifruit
Leeks
Sweet Potatoes
Summer
Avocadoes
Watermelon
Tomatoes
Green Beans
Eggplant
Spring
Asparagus
Carrots
Grapefruit
Apricots
Spinach
Autumn
Apples
Cauliflower
Parsnips
Pumpkin
Turnips
