The 4 Best Reasons You Should Always Eat Produce When It’s In Season
Everybody knows that eating lots of fruits and vegetables is really good for your health. Not only is it healthy to eat lots of fresh produce, but when it’s locally grown and in season it’s even better. Eating seasonal produce means enjoying fruits and vegetables when they are at their best, bringing many benefits.
People are finally waking up to the fact that eating seasonally is much better for health and the planet. Even companies that sell gift food baskets are starting to include local, in-season produce. They know people prefer fresh, tasty, and sustainable food. In this article, we will cover some of the biggest benefits to expect when you eat seasonal produce.
1 – Nutritional benefits
Eating fruits and vegetables when they are in season is much healthier than when you eat fruits that traveled halfway across the world because they’re out of season where you are. Produce picked at its peak has more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, strawberries picked in their season have more Vitamin C than those picked out of season.
Seasonal produce is also fresher because it is harvested and eaten closer to the time it’s picked. This freshness means there’s less need for preservatives, which are often used to keep out-of-season produce from spoiling. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables keep their nutrients better, giving you more of the nutrients your body needs.
Eating fruits and vegetables in season also means you eat a variety of foods throughout the year. Different fruits and vegetables are in season at different times, which helps you get a wide range of nutrients. This variety is important for a balanced diet, providing all the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy.
2 – It tastes better
Eating fruits and vegetables in season means they taste better. When produce is picked at its ripest, it has more flavor. For example, a tomato picked in summer is sweeter and juicier than one picked in winter. This better taste can make your meals more enjoyable and help you eat more fruits and veggies.
Seasonal produce is also fresher because it doesn’t have to travel far. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are picked and sold quickly, so they stay fresh and tasty. You can taste this freshness, which makes your food more satisfying.
In-season fruits and vegetables also have a better texture. For example, summer peaches are soft and juicy, while out-of-season peaches can be hard and with a less satisfying crunch.
Out-of-season produce is often picked before it’s ripe and then transported long distances reduces both taste and nutrition. In contrast, seasonal fruits and vegetables ripen naturally, which improves their flavor and nutrients.
3 – It’s better for the environment
Eating fruits and vegetables in season is better for the environment. When produce is grown and eaten locally, it doesn’t have to travel far which lowers pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Local and seasonal eating supports better farming practices. Small, local farms often use methods that are good for the soil and the environment. They rotate crops, use fewer chemicals, and save water more effectively than big farms. Supporting these farms helps promote healthier ways of farming.
Buying seasonal produce also uses less energy. Fruits and vegetables that are out of season often need to be kept in cold storage or transported in refrigerated trucks. This uses a lot of energy and causes more pollution. Seasonal produce is fresher and doesn’t need as much energy to be preserved.
Eating seasonally helps reduce food waste. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are more plentiful and often cheaper. This makes people more likely to buy and eat them, reducing waste. Local farmers can sell more of their harvest, ensuring less food is thrown away.
4 – Better connections
One big benefit of eating produce when it’s at its peak is feeling more connected to nature. When we eat seasonal produce, we learn when different fruits and vegetables grow. This helps us understand and appreciate where our food comes from. For example, using seasonal calendars can show us what’s in season each month, making meal planning more exciting as we look forward to fresh produce.
Another benefit is the sense of community we get from buying local food. Farmers’ markets and food festivals are great places to meet people who care about fresh produce. These events help us feel part of a community and give us a chance to learn from farmers.
